Zarul Zaabah

Senior Manager of MBA Program

How long have you been with ASB?

To date, I’ve been with ASB for almost 3 years.

In one or two sentences tell us what you do? Or what your typical day looks like here?

The main role of MBA Program Manager is to make the students happy. The program office deals with students’ affairs and students life. We’re also the gatekeeper of students’ time. So if other departments require students’ attention, they will need our help.

What kind of projects are you currently working on?

We’re starting a new project called “The ProAction System” to help our students rise above the ashes! This project aims to give a proactive step to help identify and supplement those in need of support in terms of academic, smart and sharp skills.

What are you most proud of so far?

I’m proud of seeing our students applying the theory and framework discussed in class to their Action Learning projects. It’s good to see the theory and practice meets hand-in-hand just like MIT’s Mens et Manus— “mind and hand” lemma.

Can you tell me a little about the team you have been working with?

The MBA team currently have 3 members supporting more than 80 students in the program. We’re a small team that gets a lot of things done for the students, school and other fellow colleagues.

What do you think is the most unique aspect of the company?

Diversity! Where else in Malaysia that you can work with other international colleagues and students other than at ASB? The staff and students came from all around the world. Asia, Africa, North America, Europe, South America and Oceania!

What makes you good at your job?

Colleagues at ASB calls me Mr. Excel. Whenever someone wants to know more about VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, Nested IF, etc. they know who to look out for. I also run an Excel Workshop on a yearly basis at ASB. So far, the feedback has been encouraging.

What are the biggest rewards for working with ASB?

Flexible working hour. To me, this is the best reward working for ASB. One of the ASB Values is “well-being” and so far, the organization is honoring this value among the staffs.

What are some challenges you face in your job, and how do you tackle them?

MBA Office team faced multiple stakeholders in the organization. Balancing the needs from different stakeholders is very challenging. The best way to mitigate this issue is to be transparent with everyone.

How do you think you can contribute to ASB’s growing success?

Currently, I’m enrolled in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program. I passed Level 1 in 2017 and will take Level 2 exam in June 2020 (wish me luck!). By enrolling in this program, I equipped myself with broad knowledge from the world of Finance. Adding this into my portfolio of skillsets will definitely help the MBA Office team delivering the best MBA Program to our students.