Nomosleca
Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026): April, 2026

Digital Soft Power of Malaysia in ASEAN: The #VisitMalaysia2026 Instagram Campaign

Husna Nur Amalina (Komunikasi Terapan, Sekolah Vokasi, Universitas Sebelas Maret)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 May 2026

Abstract

This study explores how Malaysia applies digital soft power within the ASEAN region through used the #VisitMalaysia2026 campaign on Instagram. Using a qualitative descriptive and content analysis, this reseach shows how cultural narratives are represented in posts shared by @tourismmalaysia on Instagram. The analysis highlights three dominant themes: cultural heritage diversity, tourism economy a regional connectivity and environtmental and sustainable tourism. Engagement data show that modern tourism attractions (e.g., Tuah 1895 Viewing Deck) generate the highest visibility, while cultural content (e.g. Deepavali Festival and Sri Maha Mariamman Temple) achieves strong interactive engagement, reinforcing Malaysia’s multicultural identity. Nature-based content further strengthens Malaysia’s sustainable diplomacy narrative. Overall, the #VisitMalaysia2026 campaign demonstrates how Instagram functions as a digital soft power tool, amplifying Malaysia’s cultural appeal, economic positioning and environmental values across ASEAN.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

n

Publisher

Subject

Education Library & Information Science

Description

Jurnal Nomosleca (JN) is a scientific periodical journal of Comunication Sciense, University of Merdeka Malang, which includes a variety of research in the field of communication phenomenons, the analysis of actual case studies or ideas related to the actual communications studies. The focus of ...