PhD in Management

The PhD in Management program is a research-based program that combines early-stage coursework in research methods with sustained independent research under faculty supervision. The initial coursework equips you with the methodological tools, skills, and techniques needed for advanced study, after which the focus shifts entirely to your dissertation research.
You will progress through three key milestones during the program:

• Milestone 1: Recommended courses
  After admission, you will complete Research Methods courses and/or other relevant course(s), as recommended by your supervisor(s), and must demonstrate methodological competency, assessed by a panel of assessors.
• Milestone 2: Proposal Defense
  You are required to prepare and present your detailed research proposal to a panel of assessors, typically held 1.5 years before your planned thesis submission.
• Milestone 3: Thesis Submission & Viva Voce
  You are required to submit your doctoral dissertation within your candidature period and defend it in an oral examination (viva voce) before a panel of examiners. The thesis must demonstrate originality, scientific merit, and readiness for publication.

This structure ensures that you acquire both methodological skills and the ability to produce original, publishable research.

It is offered by research.

Full-time streams: Minimum of 3 years and maximum of 6 years
Part-time streams : Minimum of 4 years and maximum of 8 years

Yes, if you are a local student, you may choose either full-time or part-time enrolment.
If you are an international student, you must pursue the PhD on a full-time basis in order for you to be granted a Student Visa by Immigration Malaysia. This visa must remain active throughout your candidature, even if parts of your PhD are conducted remotely.

Yes, if you are a local student, you may request to change from full-time to part-time (or vice versa) after enrolling to the program. Conversion is subject to the following conditions:

• The application must be made within your first year of study;
• You must continue to meet enrolment, coursework, and training requirements; and
• The request must be recommended by your supervisor and approved by the Deputy Dean of Research.

Kindly contact phd@asb.edu.my for further details.

Yes. The PhD in Management program allows you to complete your studies remotely. You are expected to meet regularly with your supervisor (online/in person, as agreed), remain engaged with ASB’s research community, and demonstrate steady academic progress.
For international students: You must hold a full-time Student Pass throughout your candidature, even if most of your study is conducted remotely. Physical presence in Malaysia is required for initial visa endorsement (typically 2–3 weeks) and again for every renewal. Timelines and requirements are set by Immigration Malaysia/EMGS and may vary; ASB will guide you through the process. Maintaining continuous visa validity is important throughout your candidature, as the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) requires proof of continuous visa validity when attesting your degree after graduation.

The PhD in Management is designed to offer flexibility rather than fixed annual intakes. Students may begin their studies once they have received and accepted an offer of admission, and supervisory arrangements have been confirmed.
International students may start their program once their Student Visa is approved by Immigration Malaysia.

The PhD program is assessed primarily through research milestones. The structure is as follows:

• Milestone 1: Research Methods Course

At the beginning of the program, you will be required to attend the Research Methods course and/or other relevant course(s), as recommended by your supervisor(s). If these courses are offered by ASB, they are on a pass/fail basis. In addition, you will be required to demonstrate methodological competency in research, which is formally assessed by a panel of evaluators. This milestone confirms that you have the necessary skills to proceed to the next milestone.

• Milestone 2: Proposal Defense

You are required to prepare and present your research proposal to a panel of assessors, which is also graded as Pass/Fail. If your proposal requires amendments, you will resubmit the revised version for verification by your supervisor or for re-assessment, depending on the extent of the changes. Candidates have a maximum of 3 attempts to pass the Proposal Defense. Failure to do so will result in withdrawal from the program.

• Milestone 3: Thesis & Viva Voce

At the final stage, you are required to submit your doctoral dissertation and defend it before a panel of examiners. Your thesis will be examined by (at least) two examiners, one of whom is an external examiner.
Possible outcomes include:
– Pass without correction
– Pass with minor or major corrections
– Re-examination (Re-viva)
– Fail

This assessment structure ensures that students demonstrate research readiness at each milestone and that their final dissertation meets international standards of academic quality.

Graduates receive the degree of “Doctor of Philosophy in Management”, conferred by the Asia School of Business.

Yes. Candidates may adjust their research area or topic in consultation with their supervisor, especially as their work evolves. If the change involves a major shift in direction or arises from a disagreement with the supervisor, it may require further review and approval through the school’s academic process. This flexibility allows students to refine their research focus while ensuring proper oversight and continuity.

Yes, ASB may consider transferring certain credits on a case-by-case basis, particularly if you have previously completed equivalent doctoral-level coursework such as Business Research Methods. Credit transfer decisions are subject to academic evaluation and internal approval to ensure alignment with ASB’s program requirements. If you wish to explore this option, please contact phd@asb.edu.my for further details.