What is the length of the MBA program?

The MBA program is a 20-month, full-time residential program. The new class intake begins every August.

How many students are in each cohort?

The MBA program intake size is approximately 50-60 students.

What is the current class profile?

ASB MBA classes are comprised of extremely diverse students from around the world. Some additional demographics from our most recent cohort include:

• Approximately 70% International
• Approximately 45% Female
• Average of 5 years of work experience
• 29 countries represented

You can find the current student class profile here.

Does the MBA degree come from ASB or MIT?

The MBA Degree comes from Asia School of Business. However, as the only MIT international partner program in Asia that offers a four-week MIT Sloan Immersion, ASB students will receive a Certificate of Completion from MIT. ASB graduates are also granted MIT Affiliate Alumni status, which grants them 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 upon 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?

Currently, 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 only available to 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.

Can students work full-time or part-time while attending classes at ASB?

No. The full-time MBA program requires the student to devote their time and attention to the program and students are not allowed to work simultaneously.

Does ASB offer any distance learning and/or part-time educational program?

ASB has launched a brand-new program called the MBA for Working Professionals (MBA-WP) whereby the program is structured in such a way that students may study for an MBA at ASB while working full-time.
For more information, please visit the MBA for Working Professionals website or email mbawp.admissions@asb.edu.my.

Where is ASB in the process of getting accredited?

ASB has been granted full 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 a member of AACSB, and is currently working towards achieving international accreditation from AACSB.

How do I register for an MBA event?

To register for an event please check our Calendar of Events.

Who teaches MBA classes at ASB?

ASB MBA classes are taught both by visiting MIT professors and ASB resident faculty. Students also spend four weeks on the MIT Sloan campus taking classes with MIT faculty in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

In what format are MBA classes delivered?

ASB MBA classes are taught in a variety of different formats. Generally speaking, classes will be taught through a mixture of:

• Lectures [For theory driven courses]
• Case studies [Interactive experience in the classroom, facilitated by faculty]
• Projects [Simulations carried out in classrooms on real problems, and Action Learning projects that take place each semester with real companies throughout Asia]

You may view the curriculum and class offerings here.

What is Action Learning?

Action Learning is the process of learning by working on real business challenges with host companies, using tools and frameworks taught in the classroom with the support of mentors, faculty experts and industry leaders.

The ASB MBA incorporates Action Learning projects throughout the course of the program to allow students to immediately apply what they learned in the classroom to real business challenges. This experiential based teaching method is a hallmark of MIT Sloan and has been highly integrated into the ASB curriculum. Read more about Action Learning here.

What is special about Action Learning at ASB?

While many business schools have Action Learning courses, we are the only school that requires students to undergo Action Learning projects in every term. Students will have the opportunity to work with up to 5 different companies on Action Learning projects during the course of their studies. Read more about Action Learning here.

Who are the Action Learning project hosts?

Action Learning hosts range from leading multinational corporations (MNCs) to regional companies, government-linked companies, non-profits and start-ups in diverse industries.

While team projects take place primarily in Malaysia and the ASEAN region, the Summer Associate Program (SAP) may take place anywhere in the world. We have hosted SAPs in the United States, Germany, Spain, Japan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, among other countries.

Browse our full list of partners here, or read student stories of Action Learning projects here.

What is ASB looking for in an MBA candidate?

The ideal ASB candidate is energetic, talented, and curious with an entrepreneurial mindset. 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 MBA program is rigorous. Students must have performed at a superior level in their previous university studies. They must also demonstrate the ability to pursue personal goals, exhibit a high level of personal integrity, and should have a minimum of two years of professional work experience.

Does ASB only accept applicants with work experience?

Applicants are encouraged to have at least 2 years of full-time work experience post-Bachelor’s degree. Work experience suggests that the student will get more out of the MBA program and will have more to contribute to their peers. Applicants with less than two years of work experience, including current undergraduate students, are encouraged to apply for MBA Early Admission.

What are the minimum requirements to apply to the ASB MBA program?

The Admissions Committee has a comprehensive process of 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:

• 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 5 years of work experience
• All applicants must either be native English speakers OR have received a university degree taught in English OR provide proof of English language proficiency

We strongly encourage applicants to have a minimum of two years work experience after completing their undergraduate degree. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to submit scores from a GMAT, GRE or EA exam, which demonstrates their level of commitment in pursuing MBA studies as well as their level of comfort with quantitative problem-solving.

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 their applications.

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 need to have work experience?

Work experience suggests that students will get more out of their MBA studies and have more to contribute. Thus, we strongly prefer students to have at least 2 years of work experience post-graduation prior to applying to ASB. Applicants with less than two years of work experience, including current undergraduate students, are encouraged to apply for MBA Early Admission.

Does internship experience count as full-time work experience?

Your internship experience will be considered as part of your overall application but will not be considered as part of your full-time work experience.

If I have been absent from work for a period of time, does it affect the chances of being admitted?

Please address any time gaps in your resume. You may also use the Optional Essay section for this purpose.

How do you measure the quality of work experience among such a diverse applicant pool?

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 been successful at, and reflective of, whatever it is you’ve chosen to do prior to pursuing your MBA.

Would lack of work experience in a major organization count against me in my application, despite the success of my independent venture?

Often, 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 degrees may provide important evidence of academic accomplishment and success, and will be considered alongside an applicant’s undergraduate transcripts.

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 MBA program.

How important are extracurricular activities? Is it acceptable if some of the activities are work-related?

Applicants are encouraged to share their extracurricular activities and hobbies in the cover letter, essay(s), resume, and video sections of the application.

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, their collaborative spirit and their interest in being at the center of emerging markets in Asia. Ultimately, the Admissions Committee is looking to assemble a class of highly qualified and diverse individuals who will bring the most to ASB and who will benefit the most from the MBA program.

How does the Admissions process work?

Application: Applications are accepted through the online application which opens every August for the following year’s class intake. There are three admissions rounds with the following application deadlines:

• Round 1: October 29, 2020
• Round 2: January 26, 2021
• Round 3: April 1, 2021

It is always recommended to apply early in the admissions cycle. International students are strongly encouraged to apply in Rounds 1 or 2 due to timelines for processing international student visa applications. Interviews: Highly qualified candidates will be invited for an in-person or Skype interview. Interviews will be conducted by invitation only. Admissions Decisions: All applicants are informed of admissions decisions through the online application system, including those who do not get invited to interview.

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
• 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.

Does ASB compare international applicants against one another?

All applicants, domestic and international, are evaluated on the same set of criteria. There are no quotas based on country or citizenship for international applicants.

If I am an international student, when should I apply?

International students are strongly encouraged to apply in Rounds 1 or 2 due to timelines for processing student visa applications.

Who reads the 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 within 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 in hub cities around the world as well as on-campus in Kuala Lumpur. When necessary, interviews are conducted virtually.

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 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?

Due to the size of our staff and the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide individual feedback.

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.

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 diplomas and/or degree certificates?

You are required to scan and submit all diplomas/degrees certificates/testamurs for programs from which you have received a degree. 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. We will also accept translations completed by your university.

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 require official English translations of these as well.

If I have a professional qualification such as ACCA, CFA etc, should I submit these as well?

Yes. Please scan/PDF these documents and upload these in the transcript section of the application.