MBA ADMISSIONS
At ASB, we are proud of the personal attention and collaborative evaluation process that goes into selecting each MBA candidate.
Candidates with excellent academic backgrounds, impactful professional experience and an entrepreneurial spirit are invited to become a part of our action-driven and stackable MBA program.
We are excited that you have considered earning your MBA degree at Asia School of Business, and look forward to getting to know you through your application. At ASB, we admit a diverse class of students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Ideal candidates are smart, curious and thoughtful decision-makers who initiate the change they want to see in the world. Our students are frontier-minded, always ready for new experiences and unexpected opportunities. If you think you fit the mould of an action-driven MBA candidate, we invite you to submit an application to ASB.
Admissions Deadlines
The application for the 2024 MBA intake is now open!
ASB adheres to the following application deadlines for our 2024 intake*. Applications are due at 3:00 pm Malaysia Standard Time on the deadline stated below, including all required documents and a recommendation letter.
ASB encourages prospective candidates to apply in Rounds 1 and 2, as the competitive nature of Round 3 applications may result in a lower chance of admittance and limit consideration for fellowships. International students are especially encouraged to apply by Round 2 due to timelines for processing student visa applications.
For more information about ASB, reach out to us.
*subject to change
ROUND 1:
TUESDAY
OCT 31, 2023
ROUND 2:
WEDNESDAY
JAN 31, 2024
ROUND 3:
TUESDAY
APR 30, 2024
ROUND 4:
FRIDAY
MAY 31, 2024
*Malaysian applicants
Admissions Criteria
ASB selects candidates with a high degree of intellectual capability and emotional maturity from an impressive international pool of applicants. Our rigorous MBA program is suited for students that have performed at a superior level in their university studies, demonstrated the ability to pursue personal goals, exhibit a high level of integrity and have professional work experience. We expect applicants 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
- At least 2 years of post-graduation work experience
- Proof of English proficiency
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 to facilitate an accurate evaluation of your candidacy. For more information on how to write an extraordinary ASB application, read our article here.
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
The cover letter is your way of introducing yourself to the Admissions Committee. It should be succinct and include information on your past experiences, record of achievements, your goals for the future, and how the ASB MBA can help you achieve them.
Focus on answering the following questions:
- Why do you want to pursue an MBA from ASB?
- How will you contribute to the learning experience in this program?
- 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.)
Your letter should conform to a standard business correspondence and should be addressed to the ASB Admissions Committee (500 words or fewer).
Resume
Please submit an updated 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.
You may refer to the ASB resume template here.
Your resume should NOT exceed 2 pages in length.
Organizational Chart
Please submit a copy of your current company’s organizational chart. The chart should provide an overview of your direct report and team structure, which will offer insights into your managerial experience and scope of responsibilities within the organization.
Transcripts and Degree Certificates
All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in order to apply to the Asia School of Business MBA Program. Applicants with an equivalent of a bachelor’s degree (particularly if your transcript or degree certificate does not explicitly state it is a bachelor’s degree) must provide an official explanation from your academic institution or governing body (i.e. Ministry of Education) that clarifies the equivalency of your qualification to a bachelor’s degree. This can be especially important for university degrees that do not adhere to the 4.0 cumulative grade-point average (CGPA) system.
- 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 notarised translation. The original and the notarised 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 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. You may also provide a credential evaluation report from services such as WES or ECE (General with GPA).
An “unofficial” or student copy of transcripts can be provided; however, if you are admitted to the MBA 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 rejection or a withdrawal of our offer of admission.
- Degree Certificates/Diplomas
Please submit a copy of all diplomas/degrees certificates for programs from which you have received a degree. If the original is not in English, you are required to submit notarised 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 MBA 2024 intake, we will consider all scores taken after August 1, 2019. 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 Asia School of Business.
- There is no program code required for the GMAT or EA.
- MBA GRE School Code: 7568.
Important Note:
- 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 document 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 (Internet-based 60, Essentials (Online) (8.5)).
- 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 2024, we only accept the above English language proficiency test scores taken after August 1, 2022.
Applicants that are required to provide proof of English language proficiency are responsible for ensuring that their official test score reports are sent to ASB.
- For IELTS, ASB’s RO name is “Asia School of Business”.
- For TOEFL, ASB’s reporting code is B408.
Important Notes:
- 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 guideline.
- ASB reserves the right to request an applicant to take one of the above-mentioned English proficiency exams.
Video Submission
All applicants are required to submit a video as part of their application. In no more than 1 minute, your video should introduce 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).
- The video submission is an opportunity for you to showcase aspects of your personality that you wish to highlight to the Admissions Committee; therefore, you must appear in person in your video.
- Be authentic and be yourself!
- Please be sure to double-check that your video upload or video link is working fine for both the audio and video portions.
Recommendation
ONE Letter of Recommendation will be required for the MBA application. However, we request you to provide a backup 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.
The first recommender must submit an online recommendation. We do not accept any recommendation via email.
ASB utilizes the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation online form. Please choose recommenders who are 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 recommenders do not receive the relevant email, please ask him/her to check him/her spam/junk folders and add Asia School of Business to the list of trusted senders. If your recommender encounters difficulty submitting the online recommendation, please email admissions@asb.edu.my for assistance.
- It is your responsibility to remind your recommenders 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: Tuesday, 31 October 2023
Round 2: Wednesday, 31 January 2024
Round 3: Tuesday, 30 April 2024
Round 4: Friday, 31 May 2024 **Malaysian applicants
*All international students are strongly encouraged to apply in Rounds 1 or 2 due to timelines for processing international student visa applications.
*In exceptional circumstances, the admissions team may be in a position to grant an extension to the application deadline. In order to request one, please email admissions with the email heading: “APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENSION REQUEST” and in the email 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. Depending on your location, the interview will be conducted in-person or virtually via Zoom. We try to give at least one week’s advance notice of the interview schedule date/time.
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 enough in the admissions cycle will be invited to attend various admissions events. Those interested in visiting our campus must make an appointment by reaching out to 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.
Tuition Fees & Enrollment Deposit
For information regarding the MBA tuition fees, please visit our website.
If admitted, we require a 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.
If you opt for an accommodation at the ASB Residences (ASBR), we require a minimum of MYR2,600 housing security deposit for Room Type A or more, depending on the room selection, which must be paid prior to moving into the ASB residential facilities.
Program Start Date
Friday, 16 August 2024: ASB Residential facilities available for move-in
Friday, 16 August 2024: International student arrival deadline
Monday, 26 August 2024: Day 1 of Orientation
The ASB MBA program will officially kick off with a compulsory multi-week orientation program beginning August 26, 2024. All students are required to attend the full orientation 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 admissions@asb.edu.my.
Fees
The tuition fees for the 2024 MBA intake is RM 150,000 (roughly USD 35,000) which includes:
- Tuition
- Course Materials & usage of textbooks
- Housing during MIT Immersion, Practicum, Action Learning (outside KL & Malaysia only), and Optional Industry Trek
- Airfare & Bus for Practicum and Action Learning Project
*Subject to change.
Additional Information
- Enrollment Deposit
If you are admitted to the MBA program, you will be required to pay an enrollment deposit of MYR10,000. - Housing Security Deposit
If you opt for an accommodation at the ASB Residences (ASBR), we require a minimum of MYR2,600 housing security deposit for Room Type A or more, depending on the room selection, which must be paid prior to moving into the ASB residential facilities. - Malaysian Currency
In Malaysia, the currency used is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). All costs are stated in MYR, so please use a currency converter to find up-to-date exchange rates.
Student Funding
ASB MBA Fellowships
The ASB MBA Fellowship is merit-based and 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 or Round 2 deadlines).
To be considered for an ASB 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.
Important Notes:
- Please note that the procedure that ASB has in place is such that if an applicant comes from a company that the school has a corporate scholarship/sponsorship partnership agreement with, he/she may not be considered for ASB merit-based fellowships. Such individuals should pursue the scholarship opportunity that exists with their employer for corporate sponsorship to the ASB MBA program. If you have questions related to employer sponsorships, please contact the admissions team at admissions@asb.edu.my.
- The Admissions Committee will evaluate the application to the ASB MBA program and the fellowship amount simultaneously. All decisions are at the discretion of the ASB MBA Admissions Committee and are final.
Corporate Sponsorships
Professionals working at ASB’s partner organizations may be eligible for a Corporate Sponsorship from their employer. To be considered, reach out to us at admissions@asb.edu.my to confirm your interest and we will work with your employer to explore sponsorship opportunities.
ASB Partners
- AirAsia Group
- Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS)
- Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam Malaysia (JPA) via HLP (Hadiah Latihan Persekutuan) Scholarship
- Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA)
- Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) via BNM Staff Scholarship
- Usaha Tegas Group of Companies via Yayasan Daya Diri (YDD) Scholarship
- Astro
- Maxis
- Bumi Armada
- Usaha Tegas
If your employer is not listed here and you are aware that they offer postgraduate sponsorships, reach out to us at admissions@asb.edu.my.
The scholarship opportunities listed below will be available in 2024 Intake to eligible Malaysian citizens.
The Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay (YTL) Scholarship Award
Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay (YTL) Corporation’s YTL Foundation has generously provided ASB with an endowed scholarship fund, which enables the ASB Admissions Committee to award a scholarship to a deserving candidate once every two years. This is an un-bonded scholarship award available for a Malaysian applicant who is granted admission to the ASB MBA program. To apply, please write an essay prompt found within the online application and submit with your ASB MBA application, as soon as possible.
The YTL Foundation was established in 1997 on the belief that education is the basis on which every society progresses. The YTL Foundation has since provided educational aid to deserving individuals with great potential, who would otherwise be denied opportunities to pursue higher education. Over the years, the Foundation has grown to play a significant role in helping raise the standards of education in Malaysia.
YTL Philosophy & Core Values
YTL has a philosophy on “Building the Right Thing” through their 5 core values as outlined here.The scholarship aims to recognize all-round high achievers who embody these philosophies and values.
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Teh Hong Piow Public Bank (PBB) Scholarship Award
Upcoming Events
Stay tuned for more upcoming events.
Location and Date
Details
Register
New Delhi, India
8th December 2023, Friday
MBA Coffee Chat in New Delhi with Kruthiga Permar
Join this event for a personalized meeting with Kruthiga Permar, Director of Corporate Development and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Online
9th December 2023, Saturday
Meet the Admissions Team at the AccessMBA Online Asia
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
On-campus
14th December 2023, Thursday
Join us for our End of Term Celebration with students! It’s the perfect chance to mingle and network, share stories, and celebrate all the wins together!
Online
16th January 2024, Tuesday
Meet the Admissions Team at the AccessMBA Online Middle East
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
On-campus
30th November 2023, Thursday
Register to attend this in-person event to experience the learning, and dynamic environment at ASB.
Online
29th November 2023, Wednesday
Meet the Admissions Team at the AccessMBA Online Latin America
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
On-campus
28th November 2023, Tuesday
MAKING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION REAL
Join us for a comprehensive talk on digital transformation, featuring experts from IBM, AWS, and a special participation from the Asia School of Business.
Online
22nd November 2023, Wednesday
Meet the Admissions Team at the AccessMBA Online Europe
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Hanoi, Vietnam
22nd November 2023, Wednesday
MBA Coffee Chat in Hanoi with Winston Wee
Join this event for a personalized meeting with Winston Wee, Senior Director of Admissions and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Hanoi, Vietnam
21st November 2023, Tuesday
Meet the Admissions Team at the QS Master’s & MBA Fair in Hanoi
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
20th November 2023, Monday
Meet the Admissions Team at the QS Master’s & MBA Fair in Ho Chi Minh City
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
20th November 2023, Monday
MBA Coffee Chat in Ho Chi Minh City with Winston Wee
Join this event for a personalized meeting with Winston Wee, Senior Director of Admissions and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
16th November 2023, Thursday
Meet the Admissions Team at the QS Master’s & MBA Fair in Kuala Lumpur
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Manila, Philippines
15th November 2023, Wednesday
Meet the Admissions Team at the AccessMBA Tour in Manila
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Singapore
15th November 2023, Wednesday
Meet the Admissions Team at the QS Master’s & MBA Fair in Singapore
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Manila, Philippines
14th November 2023, Tuesday
MBA Coffee Chat in Manila with Winston Wee
Join this event for a personalized meeting with Winston Wee, Senior Diector of Admissions and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Manila, Philippines
13th November 2023, Monday
Meet the Admissions Team at the QS Master’s & MBA Fair in Manila
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Jakarta, Indonesia
11th November 2023, Saturday
Meet the Admissions Team at the QS Master’s & MBA Fair in Jakarta
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Jakarta, Indonesia
11th November 2023, Saturday
MBA Coffee Chat in Jakarta with Winston Wee
Join this event for a personalized meeting with Winston Wee, Senior Director of Admissions and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Jakarta, Indonesia
7th November 2023, Tuesday
Meet the Admissions Team at the AccessMBA Tour in Jakarta
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
4th November 2023, Saturday
Meet the Admissions Team at the AccessMBA Tour in Kuala Lumpur
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Seoul, South Korea
31st October 2023, Tuesday
Meet the Admissions Team at the QS MBA Fair in Seoul
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Tokyo, Japan
28th October 2023, Saturday
Meet the Admissions Team at the QS MBA Fair in Tokyo
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
Online
25th October 2023, Wednesday
Meet the Admissions Team at the MBA Tour India, South Asia & Central Asia
Join this event for a personalized meeting with an admissions representative and get all the information you need in your MBA search
General Program Questions
What is the length of the MBA program?
The MBA program is a 12-month, full-time program, with multiple post-MBA pathways. The new class intake begins every August.
How many students are in each cohort?
The MBA program intake size is approximately 40-50 students.
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.
Apart from the MSMS degree at MIT, what other post-MBA pathways are available to ASB students?
The following post-MBA pathways are available to ASB students upon completion of MBA:
- Extend your stay at ASB for up to 4 months as a Scholar/Entrepreneur-in-Residence
- Continue your studies at MIT as a Visiting Fellow
- Apply to the University of Oxford Saïd Business School Executive Diploma Program
- Apply to the 9-month Masters of Advanced Management (MAM) program at the Yale School of Management.
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.
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. ASB remains on track to complete the process on time.
How do I register for an MBA event?
To register for an event please check our Calendar of Events.
MBA Curriculum
Who teaches MBA classes at ASB?
ASB MBA classes are taught both by visiting MIT faculty and ASB resident faculty. Students also spend up to three weeks at 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 and/or mixture of different formats.
- 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 experiential based teaching method is a hallmark of MIT Sloan and has been highly integrated into the ASB curriculum. It 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 throughout the course of the MBA program to allow students to immediately apply what they learned in the classroom to real business challenges. This
Action Learning at ASB can take the following forms:
- Action Learning: Doing Business In – International Study Trek (Optional)
- Action Learning: Business Practicum at Host Company
- Action Learning: Team Project at Host Company
- Action Learning: Summer Associate Program (SAP) at Host Company
Read more about Action Learning here.
Who are the Action Learning project hosts?
Action Learning hosts range from leading multi-national corporations (MNCs) to regional companies, government-linked companies, non-profits and start-ups. Industries are highly diverse. While team projects take place primarily in Malaysia and the ASEAN region, the Summer Associate Projects (akin to a traditional MBA summer internship) may take place anywhere in the world. We have had ASB MBA students on Summer Associate Projects in Northern America, Germany, Spain, Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Browse our full list of partners here, or read student stories of Action Learning projects here.
Admissions Qualifications/Criteria
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 strongly 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.
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:
- 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).
- 5-year working experience, if the applicant do not meet the required minimum requirement
- A native English speaker 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.
We strongly encourage applicants to have at least 2 years of full-time work experience post-Bachelor’s degree, the average work experience of current ASB MBA students is 7 years).
Applicants are also strongly encouraged to submit scores from a GMAT or GRE exam, which demonstrates to us their level of commitment in pursuing MBA studies as well as level of quantitative competency.
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.
Work Experience and Background
Do applicants need to have work experience?
Work experience suggests that students will benefit more from their MBA studies and have more to contribute. Thus, we strongly prefer students with at least 2 years of work experience post- Bachelor degree prior to applying to ASB.
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 the 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 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?
We do not discriminate any kind of work experiences. 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 MBA program. This is to ensure the success of candidates admitted into the 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.
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, 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 in September 2023 for the 2024 intake. There are four rounds of application deadlines:
- Round 1: Tuesday, 31 October 2023
- Round 2: Wednesday, 31 January 2024
- Round 3: Tuesday, 30 April 2024
- Round 4: Friday, 31 May 2024 **Malaysian applicants
Interviews:
Highly qualified candidates will be shortlisted and invited for an in-person or Zoom 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.
*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.
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 (Internet-based 60, Essentials (Online) (8.5)).
- Cambridge English Advanced/Proficiency (169).
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic (59).
- 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 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 Rounds 1 or 2 due to the processing timelines required for international student visa.
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 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 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 application 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 a notarised 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, or upload a CGPA equivalent calculation using Scholaro’s GPA Calculator. 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 a notarised English translation. Please note that we may not be able to move forward with consideration of your application or issue a decision should this document not be submitted.
If my transcript and/or degree certificate is not in English, will it need to be translated?
If your transcripts and/ or degree certificate is not in English, we will need them to be professionally translated into English by 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 notarised 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.
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).
Should I take the GMAT?
Submitting a valid GMAT score as part of your application can only help the Admissions Committee in our evaluation. Furthermore, the GMAT is often requested by top companies when evaluating graduates for employment opportunities, and may also be required as part of the application for affiliated graduate programs (such as MIT Sloan’s MSMS program).
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 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 page.
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 page 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.
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.
Student Life and Culture
What student clubs exist at ASB? What if I want to start a new club?
There are currently a number of student-led clubs at ASB. A list of current student clubs may be found here. The portfolio of student clubs keeps growing with each new intake. These clubs sponsor events, invite guest speakers, organize conferences, and participate in sports activities. If none of the student organization suits your interest, you are welcome to start a new club and submit a proposal to the MBA team for funding
Can you tell me about residential life at ASB? How many students live on campus?
Yes, students may opt to stay in the ASB Residence at a discounted rate
The ASB resident is a multi-block 28,000 square meter facility that houses up to 350 visiting and full-time students as well as ASB staff and executive education clients. ASB’s location in the heart of Kuala Lumpur also means the city life is only a few minutes away. Our residence is fully equipped with:
- Multipurpose Hall
- Gymnasium
- Cafe
- Launderette
- 24/7 Co-working Space
- 24/7 Study Room
- Prayer Room
- Parking
Watch a student tour of the residence here
How would you define the culture of ASB, and what kind of support programs and activities are available for strengthening relationships among students?
As a young school, you are an integral part of building the culture of ASB for generations of students to come. Our culture revolves around our five values: Respect for People, Continuous Learning, Excellence, Well-Being, and Collaboration. Our small class size, as well as the extensive work completed in study teams and Action Learning teams, makes each cohort extremely close-knit.
Are spouses and partners welcome at ASB?
Roughly 20% of our students choose to come with their partners to ASB. Residential facilities are available for all students, including those with families (spouses and children). Spouses and partners are an important part of the ASB community, and are welcome to participate in clubs and social life at ASB. Some SOs (Significant Others) are key club members and event organizers at ASB.
How often are students able to interact with faculty while on campus?
You will get to know your professors not only inside the classroom, but outside the classroom as well. Both MIT visiting faculty and resident ASB faculty are highly accessible, and students feel comfortable approaching them in their offices and asking for career advice, project ideas, etc. It is not uncommon for MIT professors to spend time with the students outside of the classroom during their visit. ASB resident faculty also serve as mentors and advisors to student teams, travel with students on study tours, and provide networking contacts during job searches.
Visiting The ASB Campus
Is a campus visit required?
We strongly encourage you to come to ASB to get to know us and our culture a bit better. However, due to the pandemic and government regulations, we encourage you to get in touch with our Admissions Office at admissions@asb.edu.my to find out if we are accepting in-person visits and to schedule an appointment. For safety reasons, we may not be able to accommodate you if you drop by unannounced. Typically, visits last about 45 minutes – during your visit you may have a chat with Admissions and a short campus tour.
You are also welcome to come attend one of our on-campus and online Admissions events that occur throughout the year – please check the current schedule of events here.
