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.

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. 

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.

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.  

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

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.