We are delighted you are considering earning your MBA Degree at the Asia School of Business (ASB). We are proud to admit a diverse class of students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Our ideal candidates are smart, curious, and thoughtful decision-makers who want to initiate change both in their organizations and globally. We welcome your application to our Executive MBA Program and look forward to working with you during the application process!
Admissions Deadlines
The deadlines for the 2023 MBA intake application have passed.
ASB encourages prospective students to apply in Round 1 as this round is less competitive. An early submission also allows for more time to work with your employer to negotiate the required time out of the office. However, we understand this may not be possible. If you submit your application after the Round 2 deadline, ASB will evaluate your application on a space-available basis using rolling admissions. If you have questions throughout the process, please reach out to the Executive MBA admissions team at emba.admissions@asb.edu.my.
ROUND 1:
SUNDAY
APR 30, 2023
ROUND 2:
FRIDAY
JUN 30, 2023
Admissions Criteria
ASB selects candidates with a high degree of intellectual capability and emotional maturity from an impressive pool of domestic and international applicants. Our rigorous MBA program is suited for students who have a proven track record of professional and educational success. We seek and encourage students of both traditional and non-traditional paths who exhibit a high level of integrity and a strong desire to pursue their educational goals.
Applicants need to meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum 2.5 CGPA on a 4.0 scale
- Approximately 8 years or more work experience
- Proof of English proficiency
- Employed full time
Admissions Process
Online Application
Prospective students complete the application and all necessary components. There is no application fee.
Evaluation
The application is read and reviewed by the Admissions Committee and a decision is made whether the applicant will be invited to interview.
Interview
Successful applicants are invited for an in-person or online interview with members of the Admissions Committee.
Decision
The Admissions Committee decides whether to admit the applicant to the program.
Application Instructions
We are looking forward to getting to know you better through your online application. As you move through the online application, please be sure to read the instructions closely for each section. We encourage you to provide as much information in your application as possible. For more information on how to write an extraordinary ASB application, read our article here.
The application for the 2023 Executive MBA intake is now open. Application details and instructions are subject to change prior to the opening date.
Submitting your application
The online application requires you to submit a number of personal, academic and employment details. ASB reserves the right not to review applications that are incomplete, do not meet our minimum requirements, or do not comply with the application instructions. Additionally, in order to submit a completed application, the below materials are required.
Cover Letter
Please write a one-page cover letter to introduce yourself to the Admissions Committee. The cover letter should be succinct and include information on your past experiences, record of achievements, your goals for the future, and how the ASB Executive MBA Program can help you achieve them.
Focus on answering the following questions:
- Why do you want to pursue an Executive MBA Program from ASB?
- What will you contribute uniquely to this program?
Your letter should conform to a standard business correspondence and should be addressed to the ASB Admissions Committee (500 words or fewer).
Résumé
Please submit a resume that includes your work experience and educational experience in reverse chronological order. It should focus on accomplishments and indicate dates by month/year. Extracurricular and other information appropriate to a business resume are welcomed and encouraged. Please ensure your resume is reflective of any employment gaps you might have.
Your resume should NOT exceed 2 pages in length.
Optional Essay
The optional essay serves to provide any additional information you would like the Admissions Committee to know that may be helpful in evaluating your candidacy (i.e. something you feel strongly about that is not articulated elsewhere in your application, your choice of recommenders, areas of concern in your academic record, any employment gaps (particularly those exceeding 3 months, other extenuating circumstances, etc.).
This information should be provided in written format and should not exceed 500 words.
Transcripts and Degree Certificates
All applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (Malaysian MQA equivalent, APEL-A is accepted) in order to apply to the Asia School of Business.
- Transcripts
Please scan and upload copies of your academic transcripts from all programs you attended that contributed to a degree. If a transcript is not written in English, you must provide a certified translation. The original and the official English translation should be scanned and uploaded as part of your application.
If your educational institution does not use a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) grading scale, you must ensure that your transcripts include a description of the grading scale. If your transcript does not provide this information, you must submit supplemental official documentation describing the grading scale used. It will also be useful if you can provide supplemental official documentation that indicates the GPA (on a 4.0 scale) based on the grades or points awarded by your academic institution or upload a CGPA equivalent calculation using Scholaro’s GPA Calculator. You should include the supplemental document(s) within your transcript document upload when adding the institution within the “Academic History” section of the application. Alternatively, you may also provide a credential evaluation report from services such as WES or ECE (General with GPA).
An “unofficial” or student copy of the transcript(s) can be provided during the application process; however, if you are admitted to the MBA for Working Professionals Program, you will be required to submit an official transcript signed and sealed from every school attended that contributed to a degree. Any discrepancies between the scanned transcripts and official transcripts may result in a candidate’s rejection or a withdrawal of our offer of admission.
- Degree Certificates/Diplomas
Please scan and upload copies of all diploma/degree certificates from all programs you have received a degree, an equivalent qualification and/or other professional qualification.
If a transcript is not written in English, you must provide a certified translation. You should upload your diploma/degree certificate as a separate document upload when adding the institution within the “Academic History” section of the application.
Test Scores
While not required, the ASB Admissions Committee encourages all applicants to submit a valid GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) score as part of their application. We accept GMAT, GRE, or EA and have no preference for one over the other.
Test scores are only valid for five years. Therefore, for those applying to the ASB Executive MBA 2023 intake, we will consider all scores taken after August 1, 2018. We ask that you also include percentiles when submitting your score. You may self-report your scores within your application and have your official GMAT or GRE scores sent to the Asia School of Business.
- There is no program code required for the GMAT or EA
- MBA GRE School Code: 7568
The Admissions Committee reserves the right to request additional supporting documents if required.
English Proficiency Requirement
In order to obtain an international student visa to study at ASB, applicants are required to provide proof of their English proficiency. International applicants whose native language is English automatically fulfil this requirement. All other international applicants must provide proof of their English language proficiency by submitting one of the following supporting documents or valid test scores (the minimum required score is in brackets):
- Supporting letter to confirm English language as the medium of instruction for the undergraduate degree
- IELTS (Overall band 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper-based 550, Internet-based 60)
- Cambridge English Advanced/Proficiency (169)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic (59)
- Malaysian University English Test (MUET) (Band 4)
We only accept English language proficiency test scores taken within two years of the start date of the program. Therefore, for applicants planning to enter the ASB MBA program in 2023, we only accept the above English language proficiency test scores taken after August 1, 2021.
Applicants who are required to provide proof of English language proficiency are responsible for ensuring that their official test score report is sent to ASB.
- For IELTS, ASB’s RO name is “Asia School of Business”.
- For TOEFL, ASB’s reporting code is B408.
For a Malaysian national who did not complete his/her undergraduate degree in English, you are required to submit either one of the ESL test scores above in accordance with the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysian guidelines.
ASB reserves the right to request an applicant to take one of the above-mentioned English proficiency exams.
Video Submission
Please submit a one-minute video that introduces yourself to the ASB community. Your video will help the Admissions Committee to get to know you better, to learn more about your passions, accomplishments, and aspirations, and to understand what unique qualities set you apart from your peers.
Important Notes:
- The video should not exceed 1:00 minute total in length
- You may upload your video OR host your video externally (i.e., YouTube, Vimeo, Dropbox); Please ensure that you provide an unprotected link (no password required)
- You must appear in person in your video
- Be authentic and be yourself!
Recommendation
ONE Letter of Recommendation will be required for the MBA application. However, we request you to provide an additional recommender’s contact information in the event of an additional reference will be required.
Professional recommendations are preferred from individuals who are able to speak with certainty about your professional achievements and potential. We do not accept recommendations from family members or friends.
Letter of Recommendation
The first recommender must submit an online recommendation. We do not accept any recommendations via email.
ASB utilizes the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation online form. Please choose your recommender who is able to provide specific answers to the following questions:
- Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization. (Maximum word count: 50 words)
- How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? (E.g., what are the applicant’s principal strengths?) (Maximum word count: 500 words)
- Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (Maximum word count: 500 words)
- Is there anything else we should know? (Optional)
More information about the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation can be found here.
Important Notes:
- Applicants must input the name and contact information for each recommender, including their email address. Upon saving the information, the first recommender will receive an email with recommendation instructions. We prefer that a professional or academic email address be used for the recommender – not a personal one.
- Several corporate servers block our recommendation emails. We encourage you to confirm with your recommender that he/she has received the email request. If your recommender does not receive the relevant email, please ask him/her to check their spam/junk folders and add Asia School of Business (emba.admissions@asb.edu.my) to the list of trusted senders. If your recommender encounters difficulty in submitting the online recommendation, please contact the Admissions Office for assistance.
- It is the applicants’ responsibility to remind their recommender of the application deadline in order for the application to be completed on time. An application will not be considered complete until the recommendation has been submitted.
Important Notes
Application Deadlines
Applications are due by 3:00 pm Malaysia Standard Time on the deadline date, including all required documents and recommendation letter:
- Round 1: Sunday, April 30, 2023
- Round 2: Friday, June 30, 2023
All international students are encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow sufficient timelines for international student visa applications.
In exceptional circumstances, the admissions team may grant an extension to the application deadline. In order to request for one, please email admissions with the email heading: “APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENSION REQUEST” and explain why you are requesting for an extension. Extensions are at the discretion of the admissions team and all decisions are final.
.
Application Fee
There is no application fee required at this time.
Interviews
Interviews will be scheduled by invitation only, after an initial evaluation of a completed application. Invited applicants will be notified by email and provided a link to register for the interview. The interview will be conducted in-person or virtually via Zoom.
Decisions
The Admissions Committee gives every application the fullest possible review and does not consider appeals of admissions decisions. All applicants are informed of admission decisions through the online application system, including those who do not get invited to interview.
Admissions Events
Applicants admitted to the program early in the admissions cycle will be invited to attend various admissions events. Those interested in visiting our campus must make an appointment by writing to emba.admissions@asb.edu.my with 2-3 suggested dates and times.
ASB also hosts several public admissions events in Kuala Lumpur and around the world. For a full list of admissions events, please click here.
Tuition Fees & Enrollment Deposit
For information regarding the Executive MBA tuition fees, please visit our Fees and Financing tab.
If admitted, we require an MYR10,000 enrollment deposit to secure your place in the class. Enrollment deposits are due according to the deadline listed in the admission decision letter.
Program Start Date
Sunday, August 27, 2023:Optional check-in at ASBR for those wishing to stay on-campus
Monday, August 28, 2023: First day of mandatory orientation and residency 1.
The ASB Executive MBA Program will officially kick-off with a two-week mandatory orientation & residency 1 beginning Monday, August 28, 2023. All students are required to attend in person at the start of the program.
*Schedule and dates are subject to change
Application Support
The ASB Admissions team is here to support you. If you have any questions, please email us at emba.admissions@asb.edu.my.
Contact Us
Asia School of Business (DU046(W))
Bangunan Akademik ASB,
11, Jalan Dato’ Onn,
50480, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
info@asb.edu.my
+603 2023 3000
Contact Us to learn more about Asia School of Business. (DU046(W))
Tuition Fees
The fees below apply to the 2023 Executive MBA intake and are subject to change for subsequent intake years. Incoming students are guaranteed a fixed rate for the duration of their 16-month program.
Fees Include:
- Tuition & Course Fees
- Materials (Copyrighted materials & usage of textbooks)
- Accommodation during:
- MIT Immersion Program (Required)
- International Practicum (Required)
- Industry Trek (Optional)
- For Foreign Students: Malaysian student insurance as required for your student pass requirements. (For Malaysian Students, this program requires all students to be fully employed; thus, your medical insurance is assumed to be covered through your employer).
- For All Students: Travel insurance on international practicum and during your time in the United States for the MIT Immersion Program.
- For Foreign Students: Malaysia student pass fees
Fees Do Not Include:
- Airfare to Malaysia for Residency weeks, MIT Sloan (Boston), and any optional industry treks.
- International Visa Fees
- ASBR Accommodation
- Food & Personal Expenses
Tuition Fees:
- MYR180,000 (approx. US$43,000)
International students and non-local students are encouraged to stay on campus in ASB Residential.
Required Deposits:
- Enrollment deposit: RM 10,000 (to be paid upon acceptance of offer, to secure a place in the class and applied toward your final tuition payment)
Financing Options
Financial Aid
The EMBA program is an investment in your career. We see this investment as a partnership between you, your employer, and the Asia School of Business. ASB does not offer direct financial aid, but we are here to help you on your journey.
Students usually use some combination of the following for financing their degree:
- Employer sponsorship [that might be a combination of time off, employer educational benefit, employer high potential scholarship, Banking Staff Training Funds (STF), and/or HRDC training funds]. It is not uncommon for some larger companies to sponsor their employees in exchange for bonding for a certain length of time. (Time of bonding varies depending on the company).
- Self Funding [that might include EPF withdrawal or personal loans, which are often cheaper than student loans.]
- Student loans [For Malaysian students under 35 years old, most local banks will grant students loans. For those over 35, OCBC works very closely with ASB and offers student loans to credit-worthy candidates in our programs. International candidates are encouraged to find student loans in their home country.]
We are happy to meet with your company’s HR Team to discuss the program, the benefits, and what can be gained by sponsoring a student.
Time Off of Work
The Executive MBA Program requires approximately 2-3 weeks off per semester, across 4 semesters, in addition to weekend coursework.
All employers must agree to let you out of the office during residency weeks. Some will agree to give you additional time off without taking it out of leave. Others request that their employees use some or all of their annual leave to complete the program.
Financial Support
Financial support may include full or partial sponsorships from your employer. It is not uncommon for some larger companies to fully sponsor their employees. When sponsorship occurs, it is not uncommon to be bonded.
There are two approaches when it comes to corporate sponsorship:
- Top-Down Approach: This includes Corporate Development Programs for additional education or high potentials being tapped by HR to apply. This is almost always part of an established program with a pre-defined budget and SOPs.
- Bottom-Up Approach: The employee finds the opportunity and brings it back to the employer for consideration. This involves a conversation with managers, the HR department, and other key stakeholders, and may take longer due to a lack of SOPs.
We encourage you to do your homework and determine which programs, if any, your company offers. Also determine what value an MBA will bring to both you and your company, as well as whose support you will need in order to pursue your studies.
We encourage all individuals who have applied to the Executive MBA Program to consider undergoing a Corporate Sponsorship Consultation, where we will guide you through the conversation with your employer to secure time off of work and/or financial support.
If you would like to begin the conversation before you have submitted your EMBA application, you may reach out to emba.admissions@asb.edu.my.
Executive MBA Fellowship
A limited number of merit-based fellowships (up to 10% of the tuition fee) will be available to applicants who demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in the areas of academic qualification, work experience, professional and global diversity, leadership impact and achievements, etc.
For priority fellowship consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply early in the admissions cycle (Round 1).
To be considered for an ASB Executive MBA fellowship, applicants will need to provide an essay (500 words) to support their interest and eligibility and submit it together with a completed application.
Open Scholarships
Some Malaysian and international students may be eligible to apply for additional open scholarships. For more details and to learn how to apply, visit the links below.
Available Scholarships
- Maxis What’s Next Scholarship
Upcoming Events
Stay tuned for more upcoming events.
Location and Date
Details
Register
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
22nd September 2023, Friday
Meet the Admissions Team at the QS MBA & Master’s Tour in Dubai
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
23rd September 2023, Saturday
Hybrid Masterclass: Logistics, Analytics and Optimization for Global Impact
Join this hybrid masterclass where you will gain a fresh perspective and deeper understanding of how the convergence of logistics, analytics, and optimization is reshaping our world and paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Doha, Qatar
24th September 2023, Sunday
Meet the Admissions Team at the QS MBA & Master’s Tour in Doha
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Online
26th September 2023, Tuesday
Meet the Admissions Team at the MBA Tour Asia Pacific
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
26th September 2023, Tuesday
Meet the Admissions Team at the QS MBA & Master’s Tour in Riyadh
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
28th September 2023, Thursday
Meet the Admissions Team at the QS MBA & Master’s Tour in Jeddah
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Online
4th October 2023, Wednesday
Meet the Admissions Team at the MBA Tour Latin America
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Online
12th October 2023, Thursday
Meet the Admissions Team at the MBA Tour Europe
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
London, United Kingdom
14th October 2023, Saturday
Meet the Admissions Team at the QS MBA Tour in London
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Past Events
Location and Date
Details
Register
Bangalore, India
13th September 2023, Wednesday
Join this event for a personalized meeting with the admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Bangalore, India
12th September 2023, Tuesday
Meet the Admissions Team at the MBA Tour Bangalore
Join this event for a personalized meeting with the admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Mumbai, India
11th September 2023, Monday
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Mumbai, India
10th September 2023, Sunday
Meet the Admissions Team at the MBA Tour Mumbai
Join this event for a personalized meeting with the admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Mumbai, India
9th September 2023, Saturday
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Singapore
9th September 2023, Saturday
Meet the Admissions Team at the HeadHunt Postgraduate Fair
Join this event for a personalized meeting with the admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Chennai, India
7th September 2023, Thursday
Meet the Admissions Team at the MBA Tour Chennai
Join this event for a personalized meeting with the admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Chennai, India
6th September 2023, Wednesday
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Hyderabad, India
5th September 2023, Tuesday
Meet the Admissions Team at the MBA Tour Hyderabad
Join this event for a personalized meeting with the admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Hyderabad, India
4th September 2023, Monday
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Delhi, India
3rd September 2023, Sunday
Meet the Admissions Team at the MBA Tour Delhi
Join this event for a personalized meeting with the admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Delhi, India
2nd September 2023, Saturday
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Online
31st August 2023, Thursday
Meet the Admissions Team at the Virtual MBA Tour North America
Join this event for a personalized meeting with the admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Bangalore, India
31st August 2023, Thursday
MBA Coffee Chat with Vanita Kanoi, MBA Class of 2024
Join this event for a personalized meeting with our MBA student and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Delhi, India
23rd August 2023, Wednesday
MBA Coffee Chat with Sudhanshu Pathak, MBA Class of 2024
Join this event for a personalized meeting with our MBA student and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Beijing, China
15th August 2023, Tuesday
Meet the Admissions Team at the MBA Tour Beijing
Join this event for a personalized meeting with the admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Beijing, China
14th August 2023, Monday
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an Admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Shanghai, China
12th August 2023, Saturday
Meet the Admissions Team at the MBA Tour Shanghai
Join this event for a personalized meeting with the admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Shanghai, China
11th August 2023, Friday
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an Admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Manila, Philippines
1st August 2023, Tuesday
Meet the Admissions Team at the MBA Tour Manila
Join this event for a personalized meeting with the admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
General Program Questions
What is the length of the Executive MBA program?
The duration for Executive MBA Program is approximately 16-month. Students are required to come to campus during residency weeks. EMBA students usually will have between 2 – 3 residency weeks every semester, with each residency week lasting around 1 week. All admitted students will be required to complete a Quantitative Prep course online prior to the start of the program. The course will open in July and students have until Sunday, 13 August to complete it.
What is the length of the Executive MBA program?
The duration for Executive MBA Program is approximately 16-month. Students are required to come to campus during residency weeks. EMBA students usually will have between 2 – 3 residency weeks every semester, with each residency week lasting around 1 week. All admitted students will be required to complete a Quantitative Prep course online prior to the start of the program. The course will open in July and students have until Sunday, 13 August to complete it.
What is the size of the MBA program? How many students are there in the class?
The Executive MBA class size is determined solely by the quality of applicants. We are targeting a class size of 30, as we believe it provides the optimum experience for students in the classroom.
What is the current class profile?
- Our Executive MBA Class of 2023-2024:
- Total Number of Students: 37
- Average Age: 36 years
- Average Work Experience: 12 years
- Female: 35%
- Malaysian: 92% / International: 8%
- Number of Countries Represented: 4
Companies Represented:
- AirAsia
- Andong Kwon Chumilgong
- Barry Callebaut Services Asia Pacific
- CIMB
- Daiwa
- Edaran Bio-Medik (EBM)
- E-T-A
- Halal Development Corporation
- Hilti
- Kimmu Trading Sdn Bhd
- Mr. DIY
Does the MBA degree come from ASB or MIT?
The MBA Degree will be conferred by the Asia School of Business upon program completion. Students will also receive a Certificate of Completion from MIT when they complete the 3-week MIT Sloan Immersion. ASB graduates will also be granted an MIT Affiliate Alumni status and an MIT Email For Life (EFL), as well as access to MIT Alumni events and communications around the world.
What does MIT Affiliate Alumni status mean?
The MIT-ASB Partnership provides students with an MIT Affiliate Alumni status, which includes the following benefits:
MIT Sloan Alumni Portal
- Ability to create a profile within the MIT Sloan Alumni Portal and have access to the Sloan People Database (SPD).
- Granted an Email for Life (EFL) address: @sloan.mit.edu.
- Ability to search and connect with MIT Sloan Alumni and other Affiliate Alumni.
- Access to password-protected MIT Sloan Alumni webpages.
MIT Sloan Events
- Access to events through the MIT Sloan events calendar.
- Affiliate Alumni receive invitations to select events; based on location and conference organizer.
MIT Sloan Electronic Communications
- Monthly MIT Sloan alumni e-newsletter (September – June).
- Electronic copy of the Alumni Magazine in the Fall and Spring.
- Monthly communications and invitations to participate in the virtual MIT Sloan Alumni Online Program.
MIT Sloan Clubs
- Affiliate Alumni are able to attend club events and become members of an MIT Sloan Club in their region.
- Membership and event attendance is determined based on individual club governance Customer Service.
- Affiliate Alumni are supported by the Program Office at their school as well as the MIT Sloan Alumni Relations staff.
Will the courses I take at ASB allow me to earn credits toward an MIT degree?
Credits earned from the ASB courses cannot be applied towards an MIT degree. However, ASB MBA graduates have the opportunity to pursue the Master of Science in Management Studies (MSMS) degree at MIT, which is exclusively for graduates and alumni of MIT Sloan partner schools. Further details on the MSMS program may be found here.
Does ASB accept transfer credits from other MBA programs?
Transfer credits are NOT accepted towards the completion of the ASB MBA program.
Do Students Need to be Employed while being enrolled in the MBA for Working Professionals Program?
Yes, Executive MBA requires all students in the program to be fully employed.
Does ASB offer a Full Time MBA Program?
Yes, ASB offers an MBA Program.
Is ASB Accredited?
ASB Executive MBA is working on getting accreditation by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), a quality assurance body that monitors and oversees the quality assurance practices and accreditation of entities offering national higher education degrees. ASB, being a private higher education institution operating in Malaysia, is regulated by the Ministry of Education (MoE), and as such is required to undergo MQA’s quality assurance process. ASB’s MQA accreditation status may be searched here.
ASB is an AACSB member and is currently working towards achieving international accreditation from AACSB. ASB remains on track to complete the process on time.
How do I register for an Executive MBA event?
To register for an event please check our Calendar of Events.
Executive MBA Curriculum
Who teaches MBA classes at ASB?
ASB Executive MBA classes are taught both by visiting MIT faculty and ASB resident faculty.
Students also spend 2 weeks with an option to study for up to 3 weeks on the MIT campus taking classes with MIT faculty in Cambridge, MA.
In what format are MBA classes delivered?
ASB Executive MBA classes are taught in a variety of formats. The curriculum is designed in a hybrid format with the majority being delivered in residency, and the rest in distance learning.
Class sessions taught on campus will include a mixture of the following formats:
- Lectures.
- Case studies.
- Group discussions.
- Breakout sessions.
Classes taught “in distance” [remote] will include a mixture of the following:
- Lectures – Delivered online either pre-recorded or “live” via Zoom.
- Q&A Sessions live with Faculty.
All classes will include required deliverables for assessment. Depending on the course and the topic covered, students should expect to see a few of the following types of deliverables in each class:
- Case Study Write-ups.
- Group Assignments/Papers/Presentations.
- Quizzes and Tests.
- Class Participation Assessment.
You may view the curriculum and class offerings here.
What is Learning in Action?
Action Learning is an experiential-based teaching method that was created by and became a hallmark of MIT Sloan. ASB has taken this teaching method and highly integrated it throughout the ASB curriculum. We have integrated this way of learning throughout the Executive MBA curriculum as Learning in Action.
The Executive MBA incorporates Learning in Action throughout the entire MBA experience, allowing students to immediately apply what they learned in the classroom in their jobs, with access to Faculty and Business Coaches.
What is a Practicum?
A Practicum is a team-based immersion where students spend 1 week in a company, applying the skills they’ve learned to solve a business problem and report to senior leaders. EMBA students complete 2 practicums throughout their MBA studies, at least one of which is located outside of Malaysia.
Admissions Qualifications/Criteria
What is ASB looking for in an Executive MBA candidate?
The ideal ASB candidate is energetic, talented, curious and entrepreneurial-minded. We seek highly motivated students who are excited to be a part of an innovative MBA program and whose presence will enhance the experience of their peers. Smart, humble, curious, thoughtful problem-solvers who make things happen — these are adjectives that describe our students.
The ASB Executive MBA Program is rigorous. We seek students who have demonstrated a track record of success both through their professional achievements and their academic achievements. Students must juggle their career, their studies, and their family during this program, so we look closely for students who demonstrate integrity, perseverance, and focus toward achieving goals.
There is a stated minimum of 8 years of work experience, however, most who apply to the Executive MBA have on average 12 years of work experience, often significantly more.
Does the Executive MBA only accept applicants with work experience?
Yes. The Executive MBA Program looks very closely at the quality of work experience. Students’ work experience can vary from a minimum of 8 years of work experience to more than 20 years. Executive MBAs have on average 12 years of work experience.
What is the minimum requirement to apply to the Executive MBA Program?
The Admissions Committee has a comprehensive process for evaluating applications. As part of the evaluation process, the minimum requirements mandated by the Ministry of Education in Malaysia must be met. These minimum requirements include:
- All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or proven Equivalent), with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 on the 4.0 GPA scale (or equivalent)
- If the GPA is below the minimum requirement, the applicant must have at least 8 years of work experience
- All applicants must either be native English speakers OR have received a bachelor’s degree taught in English. If you do not fulfill one of these requirements, you must provide proof of English language proficiency.
- A minimum of 8 years of work experience.
I have several years of experience but do not have an undergraduate degree. May I use my work experience to meet this qualification?
- For Malaysian Students: The Malaysian regulatory body, MQA, has established a way that you can receive credit for prior experiential learning, through a process called APEL. If you complete and pass all exams/interviews, you will be issued an MQA certificate equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. With this, you are eligible to apply. Click here to access the site.
- For non-Malaysian Students: In rare cases, for very highly qualified individuals, it may be possible to appeal to MQA for special consideration of approving your work experience as the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree. If you are a non-Malaysian and interested in pursuing this path, please apply very early, as this process will take a minimum of 3 months and could easily take longer. Prior to applying, please reach out to us directly, so we can review your case prior to moving forward with the process. Please note, because this is a process through the Malaysian regulatory body that follows very strict guidelines, all decisions received from MQA are final and cannot be appealed.
Is the GMAT/GRE/EA Required for Executive MBA Program?
No. If Applicants are applying to other programs and have taken the GMAT or GRE exam, we highly encourage submitting these scores to help your Executive MBA application. However, if the Executive MBA is the only program you are applying for, we do not require taking the GMAT/GRE/EA. There is a significant amount of preparation that must go into preparing for the exam if you have not seen the material in several years. We would prefer you spend your time thoroughly refreshing your quantitative skills -algebra, calculus, probability and statistics, as the Executive MBA is a quantitatively rigorous program. The more you refresh your skills, the easier it will be for you during the program. All admitted Executive MBA students will be required to complete and successfully pass a quantitative prep course prior to beginning the program.
Do I need an undergraduate degree in a specific field of study?
No. ASB welcomes applications from those with undergraduate degrees in all concentrations, including the humanities, the social and physical sciences, math and engineering.
I already have an MBA. Am I eligible to apply?
Candidates who hold an MBA degree from another university are eligible to apply. However, these candidates should detail their reason for pursuing a second MBA degree in the optional essay part of the application.
I already have a PhD Am I eligible to apply?
Candidates who hold a PhD degree are eligible to apply.
I have a three-year bachelor’s degree from outside the United States. Am I eligible to apply?
Candidates with a three-year bachelor’s degree are welcome to apply. While assessing your academic background we take into consideration the competitiveness of the institutions you attended and your academic performance.
Does ASB allow married couples to apply?
Married couples are allowed to apply. Each person must complete and submit an individual online application.
Work experience and Background
Do applicants to ASB’s Executive MBA Program need to have work experience?
Yes. Students who enter the Executive MBA program are required to have at least 8 years of work experience, but most have substantially more.
Does internship experience count as full-time work experience?
Internship experience is not accepted as full-time work experience. However, it will be considered as part of our application evaluation.
If I have been absent from work for a period of time, does it affect my chances of being admitted?
You are encouraged to address any time gaps present in your resume through the Optional Essay in your application.
How do you measure the quality of work experience in such a diverse range of work experience?
ASB uses a comprehensive competency model to evaluate candidates. ASB seeks candidates who demonstrate evidence of these competencies, which can come from a wide range of professional experiences.
Are there specific types of work experience and industries that you look for in candidates?
We are not looking for any specific industry experience; instead, we want to see that you’ve made progress within your chosen industry and that you are reflective of the successes and learnings achieved during this time.
Would lack of work experience in a major organization count against me in my application, despite the success of my independent venture?
We do not discriminate against any kind of work experience. Working in a small organization or start-up can provide very interesting and rich experiences, so you do not need to have worked in a large organization.
How do you factor in applicants with advanced degrees?
Advanced degree(s) may provide important evidence of academic accomplishment and success and will be considered alongside an applicant’s undergraduate transcript(s).
Does PhD research count towards work experience?
Yes, PhD research is considered work experience.
Does ASB prefer applicants who have a more quantitative background?
ASB evaluates applicants’ verbal and quantitative abilities. Successful applicants with less quantitative experience may be asked to complete a series of math preparation modules as a condition of their admission to the Executive MBA program. This is to ensure the success of candidates admitted into the program.
Admissions and Interview Process
Is there a preference towards certain jobs before graduate business school?
We encourage applicants from a broad range of professional and academic backgrounds to apply.
What are the criteria by which the Admissions Committee evaluates applicants?
ASB is seeking candidates with intellectual capability and a high degree of emotional maturity. When reviewing applications and interviewing applicants, we are looking for candidates who articulate their professional and academic success, their ability to lead and influence others, and their collaborative spirit. Ultimately, the Admissions Committee is looking to assemble a class of highly qualified and diverse individuals who will bring the most to ASB and the Executive MBA Program.
How does the Admissions process work?
Application:
Applications are accepted through the online application which opens every July for the following year’s class intake. There are two admissions rounds with the following application deadlines:
- Round 1: Sunday, April 30th, 2023
- Round 2: Friday, June 30th, 2023
Any candidate that applies after the final application deadline will be evaluated on a rolling admission based on seat availability.
Interviews:
Highly qualified candidates will be invited for an in-person or online interview. Interviews will be conducted by invitation only.
Admissions Decisions:
All applicants are informed of admission decisions through the online application system, including those who do not get invited to interview.
* It is always recommended to apply early in the admissions cycle. International Students are strongly encouraged to apply in Round 1 due to timelines for processing international student visa applications.
Are some parts of the application valued more than others? In other words, what is the most important part of the application?
Every component of the application holds the same value. Applications are evaluated comprehensively and holistically, and all of the information captured helps the admissions committee evaluate the candidate’s unique qualifications.
What is the application fee?
There is no application fee.
How does ASB evaluate the English proficiency of an applicant?
The Admissions Committee requires all applicants whose native language is not English OR applicants who have not received a university degree taught in English to provide proof of their English language proficiency by submitting one of the following valid test scores. The minimum required score is in brackets:
- IELTS (Overall band 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper-based 550, Internet-based 79)
- Cambridge English Advanced/Proficiency (169)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic (50)
- Malaysian University English Test (MUET) (Band 4)
We will only accept English language proficiency test scores taken within two years of the date of the intake for which you are applying.
If your undergraduate degree was taught in English and your institution was not from the following countries; USA, United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you will be required to provide a supporting letter to confirm English language as the medium of instruction for the undergraduate degree.
Does ASB compare international applicants against one another?
All applicants, domestic and international, are evaluated equally. There are no quotas based on country or citizenship for international applications
If I am an international student, when should I apply?
International students are strongly encouraged to apply in Round 1 due to the processing timelines required for an international student visa.
Who reads the Executive MBA applications and conducts the interviews?
Applications are reviewed and read by the professional admissions staff. Additionally, interviews are conducted by the members of the Admissions Committee
How important is the interview in the final admissions decision?
Receiving an interview invitation means that the candidate has been shortlisted for further consideration. The interview is a very important part of the application process. We conduct behavioral-based interviews, looking at past behavior as an indication of how you might handle future situations. We also evaluate your ability to communicate in a clear and professional manner. Furthermore, the interview is used as a platform to get to know you better beyond what is found in your written application. The interviewer will provide his/her recommendations to the Admissions Committee.
How long does an interview last?
An interview typically lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Does an applicant have to travel to Kuala Lumpur for interviews?
Interviews are conducted on campus in Kuala Lumpur or virtually through Zoom.
What does being on the waitlist mean?
The waitlist process differs from year to year and will depend upon the number of applications we receive. Generally, waitlisted applicants will be automatically considered in the following round and will receive an updated decision in that round.
Does ASB Executive MBA offer deferrals?
ASB’s general policy is to not offer deferred admissions. We will consider deferral requests on a case-by-case basis.
May I have feedback on my application or interview?
Individual feedback on your submitted application and attended interview will not be provided during the admissions process due to the volume of applications received. However, you may consult with members of our Admissions Team for advice and guidance before submitting your application
Transcripts & Degree Certificates
Do I need to submit copies of my transcripts?
You will be required to scan your transcripts from all institutions that contributed to a degree and submit them as part of your online application. During the application process, we will accept unofficial transcripts.
However, if your transcript is not in English, you will be required to provide an official English translation of your transcript when applying. You may use a professional translator in your locality or an English translation done by your university.
If your educational institution does not use a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) grading scale, you must ensure that your transcripts include a description of the grading scale. If your transcripts do not provide this information, you must submit supplemental official documentation describing the grading scale used. It will also be useful if you can provide supplemental official documentation that indicates the GPA (on a 4.0 scale) based on the grades or points awarded by your academic institution or upload a CGPA equivalent calculation using Scholaro’s GPA Calculator. You should include the supplemental document(s) within your transcript document upload when adding the institution within the “Academic History” section of the application. Alternatively, you may also provide a credential evaluation report from services such as WES or ECE (General with GPA).
Applicants admitted to the program will be required to provide an official transcript signed and sealed from each school attended. All admitted students will receive further instructions after they receive their admission decision. Any discrepancy between the scanned transcripts and official transcripts will result in withdrawal of our offer of admission.
Do I need to submit copies of my diploma(s)/ degree certificate(s)?
You are also required to scan and submit all diplomas/degree certificates/testamurs for programs from which you have received a degree in a single document upload. If the original is not in English, you are required to submit an official English translation.
If my transcript and/or degree certificate is not in English, will it need to be translated?
We require an official translation of all transcripts and/or degree certificates, if not already in English. You may need to engage a professional translator in your city. If your university is able to do this, we will accept that as well.
How relevant are previous academic grades to be admitted into the program?
All of your previous academic work is important to us, and we will consider it, alongside everything else, in the evaluation process.
If I have a Master’s and/or PhD degree, would I need to submit transcripts and degree certificates of these?
Yes. We require scanned copies of your transcripts and degree certificates for all degrees as part of your application. If these documents are not in English, we would require official English translations of these as well.
Test Scores
Which test scores are required?
GMAT/GRE/EA:
While not required, the ASB Admissions Committee strongly encourages all applicants to submit a valid GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment (EA) score as part of their application. We accept GMAT, GRE or EA test results and have no preference for one over the other. ASB does not require a minimum GMAT, GRE or EA score in order to apply.
GMAT, GRE and EA test score information is useful for the admissions committee when making scholarship decisions. Furthermore, the GMAT is often requested by top companies when evaluating graduates for employment opportunities.
English as a Second Language (ESL):
Applicants should be native English language speakers or have received a Bachelor’s degree that was taught in English. If you do not fulfill either of these requirements, you must submit an ESL test score to prove your English language proficiency. We accept one of the following test scores: TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English Advanced, Cambridge English Proficiency, PTE Academic and Malaysian University English Test (MUET).
Where can I get more information on the GMAT and EA?
Applicants may visit MBA.com for more information on the GMAT exam, and gmac.com for EA exams, including sample questions and information on the test and registration.
What is the ASB school code for the GMAT or EA?
There is no program code required for the GMAT or EA.
Where can I get more information on the GRE?
Information on the GRE exam is available here.
What is the ASB school code for the GRE?
MBA GRE School code: 7568
Is there an exemption for the GMAT, GRE or EA?
While ASB strongly encourages applicants to apply with their GMAT, GRE or EA test results and ultimately reserves the right to require a test score from all applicants, the Admissions Committee does not require one of these test scores in order to apply.
Applicants who chose not to apply with a GMAT, GRE or EA test score are advised to show evidence of “quantitative competency” in their application. This may be, but is not limited to, strong quantitative academic credentials during university academics, evidence of quantitative competency in their work experience, evidence of post-graduate quantitative-based certification, etc.
Please note that applicants without a test score may be granted conditional admission – that they have to take one of the mentioned tests or complete a 100-hour Math Prep course before matriculation. Failure to complete the Math Prep course before arriving on campus can result in withdrawal of admission, or being asked to defer admissions to the following year.
Essays and Recommendations
Should I only include professional experience and goals in the cover letter and essays or also include personal interests to provide a more complete picture?
The cover letter is your way of introducing yourself to the admissions committee. It should be succinct and tie together your past experience, your goals for the future, and how the ASB MBA program can help you achieve them. You may include a mix of personal and professional experiences in order to convey your message.
Should I focus on past achievements or future goals?
The cover letter should showcase examples of something you have done in the recent past, and be used to tie together your past experience with your future goals, and how an ASB MBA fits into that picture.
How is the letter of recommendation submitted?
We require one recommendation letter to be submitted online directly by your recommender prior to the application deadline and according to the instructions in the online application. We do not accept recommendation letters via email. For more information, please visit the “Application Instructions” tab.
Is there a word limit on the letters of recommendation?
ASB utilizes the GMAC common letter of recommendation as part of our application. There is space within the online letter of recommendation form for the Recommender to speak at length about your qualities, should they wish to do so. Please visit the “Application Instructions” tab for further details.
If a recommender is not an English speaker, can I translate the letter of recommendation?
If a recommender is not an English speaker, an official translation should be submitted with the name of the translator.
May an additional letter of recommendation be submitted beyond the one required letter of recommendation?
Additional letters of recommendation will not be accepted.
What is the admissions committee looking for in the letter of recommendation?
We prefer professional recommendations over peer, personal, or academic recommendations. We want to understand your accomplishments relative to your peers and also get representative examples of what it is like to work with you. ASB utilizes the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation form in its online application. It is suggested that the recommender answers all the questions presented in the form, and utilizes the space at the end to elaborate more thoroughly on the applicant’s qualities, describing specific recent examples of strengths. A generic letter of recommendation without examples is discouraged. More information about the GMAC Letter of Recommendation form may be found here.
What if I own my own business, or work for a family business? Who can I use as a recommender?
Recommenders should be people with whom you have a professional relationship and who can speak to your professional accomplishments. Ideally, a recommender should be someone who has been in a supervisory position to you. You may also ask a client, a mentor, or a co-founder to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. We suggest not using letters of recommendation from family members or friends.
What if my supervisor changes frequently? Should I submit a recommendation from a current supervisor or a past supervisor?
Recommenders should be people who know you best and can provide comments on your professional development within a relatively recent timeframe. This decision is ultimately up to you. In addition, you may want to consider using the optional essay question section to explain why your current employer/supervisor is not represented in your recommendations in order to clarify the situation in your application.
What if I cannot get a recommendation from my current employer or supervisor because I do not want to risk losing my job?
If you are unable to get a letter of recommendation from your current employer, you should seek someone else who can comment on your accomplishments in a professional setting. You may consider explaining why your current employer/supervisor is not represented in your application using the optional essay question section.
Career Development
What does Career Development Office mean for the Executive MBA?
Executive MBA focuses on Professional Development designed to help students move up the corporate ladder and be more successful long term. Programming is focused on the assumption students accelerate their careers with their current employer. Our current track record is that 60% of the Executive MBA students have either received a promotion or increased responsibilities while still studying in the program.
Non-bonded scholars have full access to the MBA Career Development programming that focuses most of their attention on the skills needed to be successful in an MBA Career Search.
I am thinking of a career change. How easily can I make a career transition after ASB?
Any career change involves a change in one or more of 3 areas: industry, role, or geographical location. Changing one area will be significantly easier than changing all 3 simultaneously. For a student seeking to change two or more, we strongly recommend you consider the MBA Program which provides Action Learning opportunities in multiple industries and provides a Summer Associate Program, that gives you a chance to spend 6-8 weeks in a company in a new industry/role.
Executive MBA is designed for career accelerators, entrepreneurs, and intrapreneurs. Certainly, a student can make a change, but change will be significantly easier with the Action Learning and Summer Associate Program curriculum of the MBA for Program.
Are students required to complete an internship?
No. The Executive MBA Program does not include internships as all of our students are required to be employed during the program.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
How are applicants evaluated for ASB fellowships?
Fellowship will be awarded by the Admissions Committee based on the submitted fellowship essay and the overall merit of the application. ASB offers fellowship that covers up to 10% of the tuition fee, these opportunities may be limited and are extremely competitive.
ASB’s policy is that if a prospective student is an employee of a corporate partner, he/she may not be eligible to apply for the ASB fellowship. Applicants are strongly encouraged to pursue the scholarship opportunity that exists with their employer for corporate sponsorship to the ASB MBA program.
Generally, the Admissions Committee aims to notify applicants of any scholarship award at the same time they are notified of the admissions decision.
What other scholarships are available?
More information on this is available on our Fees and Financing tab.
Re-applying to ASB
When re-applying, will the admissions committee review both the current and past year’s applications?
When re-applying, we may review your previous application along with your new application. It’s important to consider this when submitting a new application. You don’t want to be too repetitive with last year’s application, but at the same time, there should be some continuity. You should also highlight any updates or changes and be able to demonstrate personal and/or professional growth relative to your previous application.
What is the biggest mistake you have seen a re-applicant make?
The biggest mistake a re-applicant make is submitting the exact application they submitted before. If the past application, this is your chance to modify your application materials to a desired level. You may consult with members of our Admissions Team for advice and guidance before submitting your application.
How do you evaluate a re-applicants submission differently than a first-time application?
We are looking for all the same characteristics as a first-time applicant: examples of the applicant’s success professionally and academically, ability to lead and influence others, those who demonstrate a collaborative spirit and strong interest in the region/emerging markets. However, re-applicants have twice as much information that we can draw from (last year’s application and this year’s application) in the evaluation process.
Do you have any advice for a re-applicant who was invited to interview the prior year and was rejected? Is it fair to assume that the interview was poor and to improve in that area if the opportunity is presented again?
It is not advised to assume it was just the interview that did not go well, as we look at each applicant in a holistic manner. Therefore, it is important to make sure your new written application is also stronger