This study aims to examine the role of public diplomacy implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia (Wisma Putra), as the lead agency in the implementation of Malaysia’s public diplomacy and how it can influence in shaping the national image of Malaysia. In relation to the main objective of this research, this study will be deliberated by identifying the types of public diplomacy implemented by Malaysia, specifically in the context of its international relations. By identifying the types of public diplomacy, this study seeks to evaluate how public diplomacy could influence in shaping Malaysia’s image abroad, especially its impact in terms of globalisation. Furthermore, this study would help in identifying Malaysia’s role through public diplomacy in shaping the country’s image abroad. Throughout the course of this research, this study found that public diplomacy also acts as a soft power tool in international relations. In addition, this study was conducted by using qualitative methods and data was collected from interview with experts from Wisma Putra, as well as the reliable secondary data. Findings indicated that public diplomacy implemented by Malaysia played a significant role in shaping the country’s image abroad through five approaches which include awareness, promotion and publicity, propagate, advocacy and finally, rectification.
