Communicating ASEAN Food Security and SDGs through ^Food of Unity in Diversity^: A Comparative Study of Malaysian and Indonesian University Students Perspectives Nada Arina Romli, Mohd. Nur Najmi Nuji, Sandy Allifiansyah, Muhammad Fikri Akbar, Mega Ayu Permatasari, Noprita Herari
Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Indonesia
University Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
Abstract
Food security has become an increasingly important issue in ASEAN, not only as an economic and agricultural concern but also as a matter of regional solidarity, sustainability, and youth participation. Under Malaysias ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, which carries the official theme of Inclusivity and Sustainability food-related communication offers a relevant entry point to examine how young people understand ASEANs shared challenges and cultural diversity. This study explores how the campaign tagline Food of Unity in Diversity can be communicated as part of food and agro diplomacy to strengthen ASEAN food security awareness among university students in Malaysia and Indonesia. Using a qualitative comparative approach, this study draws on interviews with 70 university students from both countries. The data are analyzed thematically to identify students perceptions of food security, local food identity, sustainable agriculture, ASEAN solidarity, and the role of youth in communicating regional issues. The study argues that food can function beyond cultural representation- it can also become a strategic communication medium for translating sustainability issues into everyday narratives that are familiar to young audiences. Preliminary thematic directions indicate that Malaysian and Indonesian students tend to associate food with cultural pride, regional belonging, affordability, agricultural resilience, and digital campaign potential. However, their understanding of food security is often shaped more by cultural and social experience than by scientific or policy-based knowledge. This paper contributes to discussions on sustainable development communication by showing how food and agro diplomacy can bridge ASEAN identity, youth engagement, and sustainability awareness. It also positions university students as potential communicators of food security who can transform the abstract agenda of regional sustainability into accessible, culturally grounded, and participatory messages.
Keywords: ASEAN food security, food and agro diplomacy, Food of Unity in Diversity, university students, Malaysia, Indonesia, sustainability communication
