Abstract April 2007

I always try to write my abstract as short as possible. Recently I’ve changed it again. Here is the new version.

“This PhD research explores the relationship of national identity and communication design, and the cultural implications of branding in Malaysia. It will also explore the complexities of individual and national identity, and investigate how the Malaysian government and companies use branding to communicate ideas of nationhood. An online forum has been used as a method for undertaking the research. I will analyze the responses to this forum in order to understand how both residential and expatriate Malaysian citizens view their Malaysian identity. This study will also include the cultural implications in the process of creating Malaysian product, locally and internationally. I also intend to contribute to contemporary discussions about cultural engagement and its implication in communication design and their impact on countries and local industries.” Nurul Rahman, PhD in Communication Design