HRD Corp
Claimable
12
Months Course Duration
Full Time
Course Format
Aug 2025
Start Date
Globally recognized, Asia oriented
Overview
Our MBA program draws from MIT’s motto (mind and hand) and heavily focuses on classroom rigor combined with onsite Action Learning experiences throughout Asia.
Curious if our MBA is for you? Take the quiz!
49
Countries Represented
7
Average Years' of Working Experience
60 %
International Students
40 %
Women Students
An action-packed 12-month MBA
The Best of Asia + America
Courses
Our MBA program provides students with a well-rounded curriculum to strengthen their understanding of all functional areas of business. Please see below for examples of courses taught throughout the program. The actual course schedule and availability are subject to change.
- People Analytics
- Financial Accounting
- Organizational Behavior & Leadership
- Managerial Economics
- Quantitative Methods
- Data, Optimization Models and Decisions
- Business Research Methods
- Marketing Management
- Operations Management
- Ethics and Corporate Accountability
- Corporate Finance
- Competitive Strategy
- Managerial Accounting
- Action Learning
- Business dynamics @ MIT
- Supply Chain Fundamentals
- System Optimization
- Scenario Planning
- Portfolio Management
- Advance Data Analytics
- Platforms, Auctions & Competition through Games
- Politics and Non-Market Strategies
- Energy: Markets, Public Policies, and Sustainability
The curriculum includes up to 3-week residential program at the MIT Sloan campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Action Learning
Where Mind Meets Hand
These opportunities will take place across Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and beyond, depending on a matching process and available opportunities at the time.
Career Path & Outcome
Career Path
Are you Asia-ready? Southeast Asia is the world’s fastest-growing region by GDP, with the highest relative salary increases for MBA graduates due to a significant talent deficit.
Accelerating your career in Asia is a smart move, and the best way to do so is by earning an MBA degree from a school that understands the market best.
At ASB, we maintain deep relationships with over 150 corporate partners in the region, and our career development curriculum is tailored for Asia’s hiring environment.
Many of our graduates from around the world transition into management positions in Asia, further strengthening the global ASB network year after year.
Post-MBA Pathways
Extended Learning Opportunities
After graduating from ASB, you will still have options to continue learning and leveraging ASB’s unique offerings and the access we can provide to other academic institutions of global stature:
MBA+(an extra semester)
- Extend your stay at ASB for up to 4 months as a Scholar/Entrepreneur-in-Residence. We will provide you with office space for your entrepreneurial venture in the ASBhive or we will provide you with the opportunity to work with a professor in one of our research centers or with our corporate partners.
- Apply to continue your studies at MIT in the Visiting Fellows Program. The MIT Sloan Visiting Fellows Program is a customized course of study that provides the freedom to explore all that MIT has to offer while cultivating the skills and tools required to generate impact where it matters most.
MBA+(an extra degree)
- Apply to enroll in a 9-month Master’s degree program from MIT Sloan. The MS in Management Studies (MSMS) program is a STEM designated degree, providing international students with work authorization in the U.S. for three years. The program offers the opportunity for a deep dive into an area of your interest, comprised solely of elective courses which can be completed at MIT. The MSMS degree is available exclusively to graduates from MIT partner schools such as ASB.
Student Testimonial
Entering the MBA program provided me with exposure to diverse areas. I had the opportunity to interact and connect with many people from various industries. The Action Learning projects really helped me refine some skill sets that were either getting rusty or never really existed.
It was the Action Learning element of the program that got me. It’s different from working in a company where the stakes are high. These opportunities allow us to apply knowledge as we learn it, take risks, and be ambitious with our objectives
When I took the challenge of pursuing an MBA, I wanted to show my kids that you should have this period of continuous learning and wanting to improve yourself. The program not only enhances your skills and professional development, it also instills a mindset of continuous improvement.
Fee
RM150,000 (USD 35,000)
The fees below apply to the 2025 MBA intake and may be subject to change. The 12-month ASB MBA tuition fees are INCLUSIVE of:
12-Month Tuition
Course Materials and usage of textbooks
Accommodation
Housing during MIT Immersion, Business Practicum, and AL Capstone projects (outside KL & Malaysia only)
Transportation
Airfare & Bus for Business Practicum and Action Learning Project
The tuition fees DO NOT INCLUDE
Accommodation
Housing in Kuala Lumpur during the entire program, Business Practicum, and Action Learning Capstone and ALSP
Transportation
Airfare & Bus for MIT Immersion and Optional Industry Trek
Visa
Visa Application for MIT Immersion, Action Learning Projects (outside Malaysia), and Optional Industry Trek
And some 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 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.
* Subject to change
Student Funding
Merit-based fellowships 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).
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.
Professionals working at ASB corporate partner organisations may be eligible for a Corporate Sponsorship. To be considered, contact us at admissions@asb.edu.my to confirm your interest and we will work with your employer to select Sponsorship recipients.
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
If your employer is not listed here and you know they offer postgraduate sponsorships, contact us at admissions@asb.edu.my.
You may wish to approach the following financial institution for financial aid towards your study at Asia School of Business. This is applicable for Malaysian citizens only.
*Asia School of Business is not responsible for the success of your loan application, nor is it involved in the approval process, as this is an external study loan.
This scholarship opportunity is available for the 2025 intake to eligible Malaysian citizens.
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.
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.
This scholarship opportunity is available for the 2025 intake to eligible Malaysian citizens.
PBB 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 to a Malaysian applicant who is granted admission to the ASB MBA program.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a globally recognized assessment that evaluates an individual's analytical, quantitative, and verbal reasoning skills: critical competencies for success in a rigorous MBA program such as ASB’s.
The ASB-GRE Merit Scholarship recognizes exceptional MBA candidates who demonstrate strong academic performance, proven leadership potential, notable professional achievements, and a steadfast commitment to driving meaningful impact in their industries and communities. This merit-based scholarship seeks to attract top-tier talent from diverse backgrounds, empowering visionary leaders who aspire to thrive in the dynamic business landscape of Asia and beyond.
This scholarship is exclusively available to GRE test takers worldwide who are applying for the 2025 MBA August Intake, reinforcing ASB’s commitment to academic excellence and global talent development.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A valid GRE General Test score with competitive results
- Minimum of two years of post-degree work experience
- Open to applicants of all nationalities
Application Deadline: May 31, 2025
FAQ
Here is a collection of frequently asked questions that can help you understand more about the program. If you have additional questions about the admissions process or the MBA program, please email admissions@asb.edu.my.
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 is granted by ASB. Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion from MIT Sloan and are also granted MIT Affiliate status. Among other benefits, this includes MIT Email Forwarding for Life as well as access to MIT Affiliate events, networks and communications around the world.
What does MIT Affiliate status mean?
The MIT-ASB Partnership provides students with an MIT Affiliate 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 Forwarding for Life (EFL) address: @sloan.mit.edu.
- Ability to search and connect with other Affiliates.
- 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 at the discretion of the MIT Sloan Club.
- 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 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 Higher Education (MoHE), 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.
Who teaches MBA classes at ASB?
ASB MBA classes are taught both by ASB resident faculty and visiting MIT 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: Business Practicum at Host Company
- Action Learning: Team Project at Host Company
- Action Learning: Action Learning Summer Project (ALSP) 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 Action Learning Summer Program (ALSP – akin to a traditional MBA summer internship) may take place anywhere in the world. We have had ASB MBA students on ALSP 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.
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 Higher 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.
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 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.
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, December 31, 2024
- Round 2: Monday, March 31, 2025
- Round 3: Saturday, May 31, 2025
- Round 4: Monday, June 30, 2025
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 Conventional/Online (Overall band 6.0).
- TOEFL (Internet-based 60, Essentials (Online) 8.5).
- Cambridge English (Advanced/Proficiency/Linguaskill Online 169, OET (Conventional/Online) 250).
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic (59).
- Malaysian University English Test (MUET) (Band 4).
- ELS (109).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- 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.
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.
