MBA-WP ADMISSIONS
At Asia School of Business, we are proud of the personal attention and collaborative evaluation that goes into selecting each candidate. Corporate candidates hoping to accelerate their careers or entrepreneurs aiming to grow their businesses are invited to submit their application to be a part of our rigorous and world-class MBA for Working Professionals program.
We are delighted you are considering earning your MBA Degree at Asia School of Business (ASB). We are proud to admit a diverse class of students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Our ideal candidates are smart, curious, and thoughtful decision-makers who want to initiate change both in their organisations and globally. We warmly welcome your application to our MBA for Professionals Program and look forward to working with you during the application process!
Admissions Deadlines
The application for the 2022 MBA intake is now open.
ASB encourages prospective students to apply in Rounds 1 as this round is less competitive. An early submission also allows for more time to work with your employer to negotiate the required time out of the office. If you submit your application after the Round 2 deadline, ASB will evaluate your application on a space-available basis using rolling admissions. If you have questions throughout the process, please reach out to the MBA-WP admissions team at mbawp.admissions@asb.edu.my.
ROUND 1:
TUESDAY
MAR 15, 2022
ROUND 2:
TUESDAY
JUN 15, 2022
Admissions Criteria
ASB selects candidates with a high degree of intellectual capability and emotional maturity from an impressive pool of domestic and international applicants. Our rigorous MBA program is suited for students who have a proven track record of professional and educational success. We seek and encourage students of both traditional and non-traditional paths who exhibit a high level of integrity and a strong desire to pursue their educational goals.
Applicants need to meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum 2.5 CGPA on a 4.0 scale
- A minimum of 2 years post-graduation work experience (5 years or more is preferred)
- Proof of English proficiency
- Employed full time
Admissions Process
Online Application
Prospective students complete the application and all necessary components. There is no application fee.
Evaluation
The application is read and reviewed by the Admissions Committee and a decision is made whether the applicant will be invited to interview.
Interview
Successful applicants are invited for an in-person or Skype interview with a member of the Admissions Committee.
Decision
The Admissions Committee decides whether to admit the applicant to the program.
Application Instructions
We are looking forward to getting to know you better through your online application. As you move through the online application, please be sure to read the instructions closely for each section. We encourage you to provide as much information in your application as possible. For more information on how to write an extraordinary ASB application, read our article here.
The application for the 2022 MBA intake is now open. Application details and instructions are subject to change prior to the opening date.
Submitting your application
The online application requires you to submit a number of personal, academic and employment details. ASB reserves the right not to review applications that are incomplete, do not meet our minimum requirements, or do not comply with the application instructions. Additionally, in order to submit a completed application, the below materials are required.
Cover Letter
The cover letter is your way of introducing yourself to the Admissions Committee. Focus on answering these two questions:
- Why do you want to pursue an MBA from ASB?
- What value will you uniquely contribute to this program?
The Cover Letter should be succinct and tie together your past experiences, your goals for the future, and how the ASB MBA can help you achieve them.
Your letter should be in a Word or PDF format, conform to a standard business correspondence and should be addressed to the ASB Admissions Committee (500 words or fewer).
Résumé
Please submit a resume that includes your work experience and educational experience in reverse chronological order. It should indicate dates by month/year. It should focus on accomplishments. You are welcome to include extracurricular or volunteer experience as appropriate to a business resume. Your resume should not exceed 2 pages in length.
Essay
- MANDATORY ESSAY
You are required to submit ONE essay on one of the below topics, in Word or PDF format. Please include the question you have selected at the top of your document. Consider using recent examples from your professional, academic or personal experiences. The maximum length for the essay is 500 words.
- Essay Question Options:
- While diversity is often celebrated, the realities of thriving in diverse environments are not always glamorous. Reflect on how previous experiences have prepared you to navigate all aspects of diverse environments.
- The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has dismantled the “usual” way of doing things; and while some people thrived, others barely survived. Describe a time when you were faced with ambiguity or disorder and either thrived or survived. What did you learn from this experience and how did you apply these lessons?
- OPTIONAL ESSAY
Please feel free to use the optional essay section to provide any additional information you would like the Admissions Committee to know that may be helpful in evaluating your candidacy. (i.e. something you feel strongly about that is not articulated elsewhere in your application, why this is the right time in your career to pursue an MBA, your choice of recommenders, areas of concern in your academic record, any employment gaps (particularly those exceeding 3 months), other extenuating circumstances, etc.) This information should be provided in a written format and should not exceed 500 words.
Transcripts and Degree Certificates
All applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (Malaysian MQA equivalent, APEL-C is warmly accepted) in order to apply to the Asia School of Business.
- Transcripts
Please scan and upload copies of your academic transcripts from all programs you attended that contributed to a degree. If a transcript is not written in English, you must provide a certified translation. The original and the official English translation should be scanned and uploaded as part of your application.
If your educational institution does not use a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) grading scale, you must ensure that your transcripts include a description of the grading scale. If your transcript does not provide this information, you must submit supplemental official documentation describing the grading scale used. It will also be useful if you can provide supplemental official documentation that indicates the GPA (on a 4.0 scale) based on the grades or points awarded by your academic institution or upload a CGPA equivalent calculation using Scholaro’s GPA Calculator. You should include the supplemental document(s) within your transcript document upload when adding the institution within the “Academic History” section of the application. Alternatively, you may also provide a credential evaluation report from services such as WES or ECE (General with GPA).
An “unofficial” or student copy of the transcript(s) can be provided during the application process; however, if you are admitted to the MBA for Working Professionals Program, you will be required to submit an official transcript signed and sealed from every school attended that contributed to a degree. Any discrepancies between the scanned transcripts and official transcripts may result in a candidate’s rejection or a withdrawal of our offer of admissions.
- 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 an official English translation. You may either include the document(s) with your transcript upload or you may upload as a separate document(s).
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 others.
Test scores are only valid for five years. Therefore, for those applying to the ASB MBA-WP 2022 intake, we will consider all scores taken after August 1, 2017. We ask that you also include percentiles when submitting your score. You may self-report your scores within your application and have your official test scores sent to Asia School of Business.
- There is no program code required for the GMAT or EA
- MBA GRE School Code: 7568
The Admissions Committee ultimately reserves the right to require a test score from all applicants.
English Proficiency Requirement
All applicants must either be a native English language speaker OR have received a Bachelor’s degree taught in English.
For Malaysian nationals, you are not required to submit an ESL test score. The interview will be used to assess your English proficiency. If there is any doubt of the level of English comprehension, ASB reserves the right to request the applicant take one of the below English Proficiency Exams.
For International students, in order to obtain an international student visa to attend ASB, applicants are required to provide proof of their English proficiency. International applicants whose native language is English OR who have received a Bachelor’s degree taught in English automatically fulfill this requirement. All other international applicants must provide proof of their English language proficiency by submitting one of the following valid test scores (the minimum required score is in brackets):
- IELTS (Overall band 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper-based 550, Internet-based 60)
- 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 start date of the intake for which you are applying. Therefore, for applicants planning to enter the ASB MBA-WP program in 2022, we only accept the above English language proficiency test scores taken after August 1, 2020.
All 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.
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 personality, passions, accomplishments and aspirations, and to understand what unique qualities set you apart from your peers.
Important Notes:
- Please keep all videos to 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!
Letters of Recommendation
ASB utilizes the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation form and applicants must submit two letters of recommendation via the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation form. It is important that your recommender know you well and be able to speak to your professional strengths and weaknesses. A generic letter from HR is not sufficient. Please note that a letter of recommendation that is not using the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation form will not be accepted.
- Letter of Recommendation 1: Needs to be from your current direct supervisor or someone more senior who has approved the time off needed to complete the program. The MBA for Working Professionals Program will require substantial time out of the office, so it is important you have your employer’s support to complete the program.
- Letter of Recommendation 2: Should be a person who has worked with you in a professional context.
Recommenders must submit recommendations online. We do not accept recommendations via email. More information about the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation can be found here.
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.
- How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles?
- Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please include the circumstances and the applicant’s response.
- Is there anything else we should know? (Optional)
Applicants must input the name and contact information for each recommender, including their professional email address. Upon saving the information, the recommender will receive an email with instructions.
Please note that several corporate servers block our recommendation emails. We encourage you to confirm with your recommender that they have received the email request. If your recommenders do not receive the relevant email, please ask them to check their spam/junk folders and add ASB MBA for Working Professional (mbawp.admissions@asb.edu.my) to their list of trusted senders. If your recommender encounters difficulty submitting, please ask them to email mbawp.admissions@asb.edu.my for assistance.
It is your responsibility to remind your recommenders of the application deadline in order for your application to be completed on time. Your application will not be considered complete until both recommendations have been submitted.
Important Notes
Application Deadlines
There are a limited number of seats in our MBA for Working Professionals cohort. All applications are due by 11:59pm Malaysian time on the deadline date, including all required documents and recommendation letters.
- Round 1: Tuesday, March 15, 2022
- Round 2: Tuesday, June 15, 2022
Any applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space available basis using rolling admissions. We encourage all who are interested in applying to reach out to MBA-WP Admissions (mbawp.admissions@asb.edu.my), so we can work with you throughout your application process.
Application Fee
There is no application fee required at this time.
Interviews
Interviews will be scheduled by invitation only after an initial evaluation of your completed application. Our interview schedule is built based on the distribution of the applicant pool received. We try to give at least one week advance notice of the interview schedule date/time.
Decisions
All applicants to the MBA for Working Professionals Program will be informed of admission decisions through the online application system, including those who are not invited to interview.
Admissions Events
Applicants admitted to the program early enough in the admissions cycle will be invited to attend various admissions events (details will be made available to admitted students) and all are welcome to come visit our campus. Campus visitors must make an appointment by reaching out to mbawp.admissions@asb.edu.my with 2-3 suggested dates and times. Alternatively, you may want to reach out to one of the Admissions team to schedule a 30-minute call.
ASB also hosts several public admissions events in Kuala Lumpur and around the world. See below for a full list of admissions events.
Program Fees & Enrollment Deposit
For information regarding the MBA program fees, please visit our Program Fees page below.
If admitted, we require a MYR10,000 deposit to secure your place in the class. Deposits are due according to the deadline listed in the admission letter.
Program Start Date
Monday, August 22, 2022: First day of mandatory Immersion program.
The ASB MBA-WP program will officially kick-off with a mandatory multi-week Immersion program beginning Monday, August 22, 2022. All students are required to attend the full Immersion program.
*Schedule and dates are subject to change.
Application Support
The ASB Admissions team is here to support you. If you have any questions specific to the application or program details, please email us at mbawp.admissions@asb.edu.my.
Please note that we operate as a small team, and our response time depends on the volume of inquiries received.
Program Fees
The fees below apply to the 2022 MBA for Working Professionals intake and subject to change for subsequent intake years. Incoming students are guaranteed a fixed rate for the duration of their 22-month program.
Fees Include:
- Tuition & Course Fees
- Materials (Copyrighted materials & usage of textbooks)
- Accommodation during Residency for:
- ASB’s Campus (Required)
- MIT Immersion Program (Required)
- Industry Treks (Optional)
- Practicum Residency & associated travel
- Individual Learning in Action & Associated Business Coach Fees.
- For Foreign Students: Malaysian student insurance as required for your student pass requirements. (For Malaysian Students, this program requires all students to be fully employed, and thus your medical insurance is assumed to be covered through your employer).
- For All Students: Travel insurance on international practicums and during your time in the United States for the MIT Immersion Program.
- For Foreign Students: Malaysia student pass fees
Fees Do Not Include:
- Airfare to Malaysia for Residency weeks, MIT Sloan (Boston), and any optional industry treks.
- International Visa Fees
- Food & Personal Expenses
Tuition Fees:
- Malaysian Students: MYR265,000 (approx. US$66,000)
- International Students: MYR365,000 (approx. US$91,000)
Required Deposits:
- Enrollment deposit: RM 10,000 (to be paid upon acceptance of offer, to secure a place in the class and applied toward your final tuition payment)
Financial Aid
The MBA-WP program is an investment in your career. We see this investment as a partnership between you, your employer, and Asia School of Business.
Our approach to financial aid is geared toward providing access for high potential MBA-WP candidates who need financial support.
Need-Based Financial Aid
Eligible individual applicants may apply for need based Financial Aid packages from ASB:
- Malaysians: up to RM170,000 (64%)
- International: up to RM210,000 (58%)
(Exchange rate: USD 1 = RM4.0)
Individual Financial Aid packages include:
- COVID-19 Discounts
- Deferred Payment
Additionally, applicants may have access to corporate sponsorship support up to the full amount of Program Fees.
Financial Aid Process
Financial aid in the MBA-WP is a need-based, post-admission process. After applying and receiving an offer of admission, you will complete the following steps:
Proof of Application for Student Loan
Whether you are approved or declined a student loan from an external funder such as a bank, you must submit the proof of your application.
Corporate Sponsorship Consultation
All MBA-WP Financial Aid applicants are required to undergo a Corporate Sponsorship Consultation with our Corporate Development team. We will guide you through the conversation with your employer to secure both financial sponsorship and the required time off of work.
Submit Key Documentation to Demonstrate Need
You will be required to submit complete documentation demonstrating your financial need. This may include payslips, bank statements, EPF and retirement account statements, and credit reports.
SFS Processes Information
Our Student Financial Services department will process your application and approve or reject it based on the information given. We will also specify the amount of scholarship, deferred payment and sponsorship available to you.
The Financial Aid Application will be available those admitted to the MBA-WP program who are self-funded and not funded by their employer. You should receive a decision within three weeks of submitting your application.
Additional Financing Options
Corporate Sponsorships
The MBA-WP Program requires significant time out of work, as well as significant financial investment into your future. For this reason, it is imperative to align with your employer about your decision to pursue this program.
The ASB team is here to guide you through this conversation.
Time Off of Work
The MBA-WP Program requires approximately 16 weeks over the course of 22 months to complete. We have recently redesigned the schedule so no more than 30 days of work are required per calendar year to attend the program.
All employers must agree to let you out of the office during residency weeks. Some will agree to give you additional time off without taking it out of leave. Others request that their employees use some or all of their annual leave to complete the program.
Financial Support
Financial support may include full or partial sponsorships from your employer. It is not uncommon for some larger companies to fully sponsor their employees. When sponsorship occurs, it is not uncommon to be bonded.
There are two approaches when it comes to corporate sponsorship:
- Top-Down Approach: This includes Corporate Development Programs for additional education or high potentials being tapped by HR to apply. This is almost always part of an established program with a pre-defined budget and SOPs.
- Bottom-Up Approach:The employee finds the opportunity and brings it back to the employer for consideration. This involves a conversation with managers, the HR department, and other key stakeholders, and may take longer due to a lack of SOPs.
We encourage you to do your homework and determine which programs, if any, your company offers. Also determine what value an MBA will bring to both you and your company, as well as whose support you will need in order to pursue your studies.
All individuals interested in applying for Financial Aid are required to undergo a Corporate Sponsorship Consultation, where we will guide you through the conversation with your employer to secure time off of work and/or financial support.
However, if you would like to begin the conversation before you have submitted your MBA-WP application, you may reach out to mbawp.admissions@asb.edu.my.
MBA for Working Professionals Fellowships
ASB takes pride in admitting students who are both Extraordinary and Unconventional. This year ASB is able to offer two fellowships through a separate fellowship application.
- ASB Changemaker Discount Award: 40% Fellowship for one “unconventional” student who has demonstrated the ability to impact change.
- ASB Emerging Leader Discount Award: 40% Fellowship for one “extraordinary” student who has demonstrated leadership in his/her corporate/non-profit business.
Applicants who have completed their MBA-WP applications are eligible to apply by the Round 1 deadline of 15 March 2022. Fellowship recipients will be announced with Round 1 decisions.
To apply, please write an essay (maximum 500 words) on what makes you either unconventional (Changemaker Discount Award) or extraordinary (Emerging Leader Discount Award) within the ASB MBA-WP application. You may apply to both fellowships by submitting separate essays.
30% Club Discounts
The 30% Club is a global business-led campaign focused on building an ecosystem of partners towards a common goal – the promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I). The 30% Club plans to achieve this through working with corporates and regulators to emphasize gender balance within Boards and C-Suites as well as fostering truly inclusive cultures.
More information on the 30% Club may be found here and the 30% Club Malaysian Chapter is here.
The ASB – 30% Club Discount Awards covers 25% of the Program Fees. Applicants to the MBA-WP program are eligible to apply for these fellowships by the Round 1 deadline of 15 March 2022. Discount Award recipients will be announced with Round 1 decisions. To apply for this Discount Award, please answer the accompanying question and write an essay using the prompt given below:
- What challenges have you faced in the workplace with regards to diversity, equity and inclusion; and what was the outcome of any action you took or reflection that you made?
- What do you think that employers can do to help advance diversity, equity and inclusion?
(500 words or less)
Open Scholarships
Some Malaysian and international students may be eligible to apply for additional open scholarships. For more details and to learn how to apply, visit the links below.
Available Scholarships
- Maxis What’s Next Scholarship
Upcoming Events
Stay tuned for more upcoming events.
Virtual MBA-WP Coffee Chat with Shamir and Mohit
Join this event for a personalized meeting with MBA-WP students and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
MBA Student Panel: Why the ASB MBA Is the Best Move I Made in an Uncertain Workscape
Join current ASB students as they discuss their transformative experiences in the ASB MBA Full Time (MBA-FT) and Working Professionals (MBA-WP) programs. Hear them discuss topics including how they prepared and applied for the MBA, their favorite Action Learning projects, balancing work and life, as well as the value they continually gain from the program.
26th May 2022, Thursday
MBA-WP Coffee Chat with Mohit at ASB
Join this event for a personalized meeting with Mohit, an MBA-WP student and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Past Events
Location and Date
Details
Register
Ongoing throughout February and March
Join this event for a personalized meeting with admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Join this event for a personalized meeting with admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Join this event for a personalized meeting with admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Join this event for a personalized meeting with admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Join this event for a personalized meeting with admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Join this event for a personalized meeting with admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Join this event for a personalized meeting with admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Join this event for a personalized meeting with admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Join this event for a personalized meeting with admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Join this event for a personalized meeting with admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
Join this event for a personalized meeting with admissions team and get all the information you need in your MBA search.
MBAWP Info Session
The information session offers the chance to learn more about the MBA for Working Professionals Program.
MBAWP Application Tips
The Application Tips video is intended to make applying to the MBA for Working Professionals easier and help your application be more successful.
General Program Questions
What is the length of the MBA for Working Professionals program?
The MBA for Working Professionals Program is approximately 22-month. Students come to campus for one week, approximately once every 6 weeks to complete classes. Students will complete a Quantitative Prep course online during the month of June, and classes will formally begin in July.
What is the size of the MBA program? How many students are there in the class?
The MBA for Working Professionals class size is determined solely by the quality of applicants. We are targeting a class size of 30, as we believe it provides the optimum experience for students in the classroom.
What is the current class profile?
Our MBA for Working Professionals MBA Class of 2021-2022:
- Total Number of Students: 35
- Average Age: 33.15
- Average Work Experience: 9 years
- Female: 31%
- Malaysian: 80% / International: 20%
- Number of Countries Represented: 6
Companies Represented:
- AirAsia
- Andong Kwon Chumilgong
- Barry Callebaut Services Asia Pacific
- CIMB
- Daiwa
- Edaran Bio-Medik (EBM)
- E-T-A
- Halal Development Corporation
- Hilti
- Kimmu Trading Sdn Bhd
- Mr. DIY
- Olive House
- Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB)
- Phu Hung Securities Corporation
- Prasarana Malaysia Berhad
- Sapura Energy
- Sime Darby Berhad
- UEM Edgenta
- Vasavah Consultancy Inc.
What Degree is listed on my Certificate?
Students in the MBA for Working Professionals program receive a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree.
Who issues the MBA degree? ASB or MIT
Students who complete their degree requirements receive a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Asia School of Business. However, as the only MIT international partner program in Asia that offers a 1-month immersion program at the MIT Sloan School of Management, ASB students will receive a certificate of completion from MIT. ASB graduates receive ASB Alumni Status, and are also granted MIT Affiliate Alumni status, which gives them an MIT Email For Life (EFL) address as well as certain access to MIT Alumni events and communications around the world.
What does MIT Affiliate Alumni status mean?
The MIT-ASB Partnership provides students with an MIT Affiliate Alumni status, which includes the following benefits: MIT Sloan Alumni Portal
- Ability to create a profile within the MIT Sloan Alumni Portal and have access to the Sloan People Database (SPD)
- Granted an Email for Life (EFL) address: @sloan.mit.edu
- Ability to search and connect with MIT Sloan Alumni and other Affiliate Alumni
- Access to password-protected MIT Sloan Alumni webpages
MIT Sloan Events
- Access to events through the MIT Sloan events calendar
- Affiliate Alumni receive invitations to select events; based upon location and conference organizer
MIT Sloan Electronic Communications
- Monthly MIT Sloan alumni e-newsletter (September – June)
- Electronic copy of the Alumni Magazine in the Fall and Spring
- Monthly communications and invitations to participate in the virtual MIT Sloan Alumni Online Program
MIT Sloan Clubs
- Affiliate Alumni are able to attend club events and become members of an MIT Sloan Club in their region
- Membership and event attendance is determined based on individual club governance Customer Service
- Affiliate Alumni are supported by the Program Office at their school as well as the MIT Sloan Alumni Relations staff
Will the courses I take at ASB allow me to earn credits towards an MIT degree?
Currently, ASB courses cannot be applied towards an MIT degree. However, ASB MBA graduates also have the opportunity to pursue the Master of Science in Management Studies (MSMS) degree at MIT, which is only available to alumni of MIT Sloan partner schools. Further details on the MSMS program may be found here.
Does ASB accept transfer credits from other MBA programs?
Transfer credits are not accepted towards the completion of the ASB MBA program.
Do Students Need to be Employed while being enrolled in the MBA for Working Professionals Program?
Yes, MBA for Working Professionals requires all students in the program to be fully employed.
Does ASB offer a Full Time MBA Program?
Yes, ASB offers a MBA Full Time Residency Program.
What is the difference between the MBA for Working Professionals Program and the MBA Full Time Residency Program?
| MBA FOR WORKING PROFESSIONALS
Designed for Working Professionals
Learning in Action:
Business Practicums:
Academics:
Career Development Center Our CDO and Program Office offer a complete Professional Development Series designed to help students move up the corporate ladder and be successful long term. For non-bonded students, they have full access to the MBA Career Search programming offered to the MBA for Full Time Residency. Completion Time: 22 Months *Subject to international travel restrictions and border closures. |
MBA FULL-TIME RESIDENCY
Designed for Full Time Residency
Action Learning:
Practicums:
Academics
Career Development Center (CDO) Our CDO offers career guidance with SAP and Full Time Employment, and focuses most of their attention on skills needed to be successful in MBA Career Search. For bonded students, they have full access to the Professional Development Program offered to the MBA for Working Professionals Completion Time: 20 months, with flexibility option to complete in 16 months to better capture career opportunities in the dynamic Asian region. |
Is ASB Accredited?
Yes, ASB and MBA for Working Professionals have 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. For global business schools, the international accreditation body is AACSB. Business Schools must be in operation for 5 years before being allowed to apply. ASB is a member of AACSB, follows AACBS standards, and is currently working towards achieving international accreditation from AACSB as soon as we are eligible.
ASB is a member of AACSB, follows AACBS standards, and is currently working towards achieving accreditation. AACSB is the largest global accreditation organization for business schools. Business schools can only apply for accreditation process after graduating two classes before being eligible to apply. ASB was granted permission to start the accreditation process by the AACSB Initial Accreditation Committee in December 2019.
How do I register for an MBA for Working Professionals event?
To register for an event please check our Calendar of Events.
MBA for Working Professionals Curriculum
Who teaches MBA classes at ASB?
ASB MBA for Working Professionals students are taught by approximately 40% MIT professors, who physically travel to ASB to teach classes, as well as approximately 60% by ASB resident faculty who live in Asia, research in Asia, and understand Asian problems within a global context.
Students also spend one month on the MIT campus taking classes with MIT faculty in Cambridge, MA.
In what format are MBA classes delivered?
ASB MBA for Working Professionals classes are taught in a variety of formats. The curriculum is designed in a hybrid format with the majority being delivered in residency, and the rest in distance learning.
Class sessions taught on campus will include a mixture of the following formats:
- Lectures
- Case studies
- Group discussions
- Breakout sessions
Classes taught “in distance” [remote] will include a mixture of the following:
- Lectures – Delivered by online either pre-recorded or “live” via Zoom.
- Q&A Sessions live with Faculty
All classes will include required deliverables for assessment. Depending on the course and the topic covered, students should expect to see a few of the following types of deliverables in each class:
- Case Study Write-ups
- Group Assignments/Papers/Presentations
- Quizzes and Tests
- Class Participation Assessment
You may view the curriculum and class offerings here.
How is the curriculum impacted by Covid-19?
Due to Covid-19, we have redesigned the curriculum to be delivered in hybrid mode (in person where possible, and online when not). Response from students have been encouraging – teaching evaluations have gone up despite the online delivery.
What is Learning in Action?
Action Learning is an experiential based teaching method that was created by and became a hallmark of MIT Sloan. ASB has taken this teaching method and highly integrated it throughout the ASB curriculum We have integrated this way of learning throughout the MBA-WP curriculum as Learning in Action.
The MBA for Working Professionals incorporates Learning in Action throughout the entire MBA experience, allowing students to immediately apply what they learned in the classroom in their jobs, with access to Faculty and Business Coaches.
What is a Practicum?
A Practicum is a team-based immersion where students spend 1 week in a company, applying the skills they’ve learned to solve a business problem and report out to senior leaders. MBA for Working Professional students complete 3 practicums throughout their MBA studies, at least one of which is located outside of Malaysia.
Admissions Qualifications/Criteria
What is ASB looking for in an MBA for Professionals candidate?
The ideal ASB candidate is energetic, talented, curious and entrepreneurial minded. We seek highly motivated students who are excited to be a part of an innovative MBA program and whose presence will enhance the experience of their peers. Smart, humble, curious, thoughtful problem-solvers who make things happen — these are adjectives that describe our students.
The ASB MBA for Working Professions Program is rigorous. We seek students who have demonstrated a track record of success both through their professional achievements and their academic achievements. Students must juggle their career, their studies, and their family during this program, so we look closely for students who demonstrate integrity, perseverance and focus toward achieving goals.
There is a stated minimum 2 years work experience, however, most who apply to the MBA for Working Professionals have at least 5 years work experience, often significantly more.
Does the MBA for Working Professionals only accept applicants with work experience?
Yes. The MBA for Working Professionals Program looks very close at the quality of work experience. Students work experience can vary from a minimum of 2 years work experience to more than 20 years, but the quality of the work experience is looked at closely. MBA for Working Professionals have on average 9.7 years of work experience.
What is the minimum requirement to apply to the MBA for Working Professionals 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:
- All applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree (or proven Equivalent), with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 on the 4.0 GPA scale (or equivalent)
- If the GPA is below the minimum requirement, the applicant must have at least 5 years of work experience
- All applicants must either be native English speakers OR have received a Bachelor’s degree taught in English. If you do not fulfil one of these requirements, you must provide proof of English language proficiency.
- A minimum of 2 years work experience.
I have several years of experience, but do not have an undergraduate degree. May I use my work experience to meet this qualification?
- For Malaysian Students: The Malaysian regulatory body, MQA, has established a way that you can receive credit for prior experiential learning, through a process called APEL. If you complete and pass all exams/interviews, you will be issued an MQA certificate that is the equivalent of a Bachelors’ degree. With this, you are eligible to apply. Click here to access the site.
- For non-Malaysian Students: In rare cases, for very highly qualified individuals, it may be possible to appeal to MQA for special consideration of approving your work experience as the equivalent of a Bachelors’ degree. If you are a non-Malaysian and interested in pursuing this path, please apply very early, as this process will take a minimum of 3 months, and could easily take longer. Prior to applying, please reach out to us directly, so we can review your case prior to moving forward with the process. Please note, because this is a process through the Malaysian regulatory body that follows very, very strict guidelines, all decisions received from MQA are final and cannot be appealed.
Is the GMAT/GRE/EA Required for MBA for Working Professionals Program?
No. If Applicants are applying to other programs and have taken the GMAT or GRE exam, we highly encourage submitting these scores to help your MBA-WP application. However, if the MBA for Working Professionals is the only program you are applying for, we do not require taking the GMAT/GRE/EA. There is a significant amount of preparation that must go into preparing for the exam if you have not seen the material in several years. We would prefer you spend your time thoroughly refreshing your quantitative skills -algebra, calculus, probability and statistics, as the MBA for Working Professionals is a quantitatively rigorous program. The more you refresh your skills, the easier it will be for you during the program. All admitted MBA for Working Professionals students will be required to complete and successfully pass a quantitative prep course prior to beginning the program.
Do I need an undergraduate degree in a specific field of study?
No. ASB welcomes applications from those with undergraduate degrees in all concentrations, including the humanities, the social and physical sciences, math and engineering.
I already have an MBA. Am I eligible to apply?
Candidates who hold an MBA degree from another university are eligible to apply. However, these candidates should detail their reason for pursuing a second MBA degree in the optional essay part of the application.
I already have a PhD. Am I eligible to apply?
Candidates who hold a PhD degree are eligible to apply.
I have a three-year Bachelor’s degree from outside the United States. Am I eligible to apply?
Candidates with a three-year Bachelor’s degree are welcome to apply. While assessing your academic background we take into consideration the competitiveness of the institutions you attended and your academic performance.
Does ASB allow married couples to apply?
Married couples are allowed to apply. Each person must complete and submit an individual online application.
Work experience and Background
Do applicants to ASB’s MBA for Working Professionals Program need to have work experience?
Yes. Students who enter the MBA for Working Professionals program are required to have at least 2 years work experience, but most have substantially more.
Does internship experience count as full time work experience?
No. Applicants should have at least 2 years full time work experience without counting the internship.
If I have been absent from work for a period of time, does it affect the chances of being admitted?
Full time employment is a requirement of the MBA for Working Professionals program. If you have been out of work previously, but currently employed, we encourage you to address the gaps in your resume via the optional essay.
How do you measure the quality of work experience in such a diverse range of work experience?
ASB uses a comprehensive competency model to evaluate candidates. ASB seeks candidates who demonstrate evidence of these competencies, which can come from a wide range of professional experiences.
Are there specific types of work experience and industries that you look for in candidates?
We are not looking for any specific industry experience; instead we want to see that you’ve made progression within your chosen industry, and you are reflective of the successes and learnings achieved during this time.
Would lack of work experience in a major organization count against me in my application, despite the success of my independent venture?
Often, working in a small organization or start-up can provide very interesting and rich experiences, so you do not need to have worked in a large organization.
How do you factor in applicants with advanced degrees?
Advanced degrees may provide important evidence of academic accomplishment and success, and will be considered alongside an applicant’s undergraduate transcripts.
Does PhD research count towards work experience?
Yes, PhD research is considered as work experience.
Does ASB prefer applicants who have a more quantitative background?
ASB evaluates applicants’ verbal and quantitative abilities. All admitted candidates are required to successfully complete a Quantitative Prep course that is assigned in June, prior to starting the MBA for Working Professionals Program. Usually, this is sufficient to demonstrate your quantitative capabilities. Occasionally, if the admissions committee is unable to assess a candidate’s quantitative capabilities, it may request a candidate complete a series of math preparation modules as a condition of admission.
Admissions and Interview Process
Is there a preference towards certain jobs before graduate business school?
We encourage applicants from a broad range of professional and academic backgrounds to apply.
What are the criteria by which the Admissions Committee evaluates applicants?
ASB is seeking candidates with intellectual capability and a high degree of emotional maturity. When reviewing applications and interviewing applicants, we are looking for candidates who articulate their professional and academic success, their ability to lead and influence others, and their collaborative spirit. Ultimately, the Admissions Committee is looking to assemble a class of highly qualified and diverse individuals who will bring the most to ASB and the MBA for Working Professionals Program.
How does the Admissions process work?
Application: Applications are accepted through the online application which opens every July for the following year’s class intake. There are two admissions rounds with the following application deadlines:
- Round 1: Tuesday, 15 March 2022
- Round 2: Tuesday, 15 June 2022
Any candidate that applies after the final application deadline will be evaluated on a rolling admissions based on seat availability.
Interviews: Highly qualified candidates will be invited for an in-person or Skype interview.
Interviews will be conducted by invitation only.
Admissions Decisions: All applicants are informed of admission decisions through the online application system, including those who do not get invited to interview.
* It is always recommended to apply early in the admissions cycle. International Students are strongly encouraged to apply in Rounds 1 due to timelines for processing international student visa applications.
Are some parts of the application valued more than others? In other words, what is the most important part of the application?
Every component of the application holds the same value. Applications are evaluated comprehensively and holistically, and all of the information captured helps the admissions committee evaluate the candidate’s unique qualifications.
What is the application fee?
At this time, ASB does not require an application fee.
How does ASB evaluate the English proficiency of an applicant?
If you are a Malaysian citizen, we will not require you to submit an English language proficiency test score. The interview will be used to assess your English language proficiency. If there is any doubt to the level of English comprehension, ASB reserves the right to request the applicant to take one of the English language proficiency exams mentioned below.
All other applicants whose native language is not English OR applicants who have not received a Bachelor’s degree taught in English to provide proof of their English language proficiency by submitting one of the following valid test scores.
The minimum required score is in brackets:
- IELTS (Overall band 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper-based 550, Internet-based 60)
- Cambridge English Advanced/Proficiency (169)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic (50)
- Malaysian University English Test (MUET) (Band 4)
We will only accept English language proficiency test scores taken within two years of the date of the intake you are applying for. Therefore, for applicants planning to enter the ASB MBA program in 2022, we only accept the above English language proficiency test scores taken after August 1, 2020.
Does ASB compare international applicants against one another?
All applicants, domestic and international, are evaluated on the same set of criteria. There are no quotas based on country or citizenship for international applicants.
If I am an international student, when should I apply?
International students are strongly encouraged to apply in earlier due to timelines for processing student visa applications.
Who reads the MBA for Working Professionals applications and conducts the interviews?
Applications are reviewed and read by the MBA for Working Professionals Committee members. 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 and we look at past behavior as an indication of how you might handle future situations.
We are also looking at the applicant’s ability to communicate in a clear and professional manner. Furthermore, the interview is used as a platform to get to know you better, beyond what is found in your written application. The interviewer will provide his/her recommendations to the Admissions Committee.
How long does an interview last?
An interview typically lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Does an applicant have to travel to Kuala Lumpur for interviews?
Interviews are conducted on-campus in Kuala Lumpur, and occasional in regional cities if a member of our admissions team is in town. When necessary, interviews are conducted via Skype.
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 MBA for Working Professionals offer deferrals?
We will consider deferral requests on a case-by-case basis.
May I have feedback on my application or interview?
Due to the size of our staff and the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide individual feedback. However, if you applied previously and you are considering applying again, we strongly suggest you reach out to MBA-WP Admissions at mbawp.admissions@asb.edu.my and have a conversation about your application.
Transcripts & Degree Certificates
Do I need to submit copies of my transcripts?
You will be required to scan your transcripts from all institutions that contributed to a degree and submit them as part of your online application. During the application process, we will accept unofficial transcripts.
However, if your transcript is not in English, you will be required to provide an official English translation of your transcript when applying. You may use a professional translator in your locality or an English translation done by your university.
If your educational institution does not use a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) grading scale, you must ensure that your transcripts include a description of the grading scale. If your transcripts do not provide this information, you must submit supplemental official documentation describing the grading scale used. It will also be useful if you can provide supplemental official documentation that indicates the GPA (on a 4.0 scale) based on the grades or points awarded by your academic institution or upload a CGPA equivalent calculation using Scholaro’s GPA Calculator. You should include the supplemental document(s) within your transcript document upload when adding the institution within the “Academic History” section of the application. Alternatively, you may also provide a credential evaluation report from services such as WES or ECE (General with GPA).
Applicants admitted to the program will be required to provide an official transcript signed and sealed from each school attended. All admitted students will receive further instructions after they receive their admission decision. Any discrepancy between the scanned transcripts and official transcripts will result in withdrawal of our offer of admission.
Do I need to submit copies of my diploma(s)/ degree certificate(s)?
You are also required to scan and submit all diplomas/degree certificates/testamurs for programs from which you have received a degree in a single document upload. If the original is not in English, you are required to submit an official English translation.
If my transcript and/or degree certificate is not in English, will it need to be translated?
We require an official translation of all transcripts and/or degree certificates, if not already in English. You may need to engage a professional translator in your city. If your university is able to do this, we will accept that as well.
How relevant are previous academic grades to be admitted into the program?
All of your previous academic work is important to us, and we will consider it, alongside everything else, in the evaluation process.
If I have a Master’s and/or PhD degree, would I need to submit transcripts and degree certificates of these?
Yes. We require scanned copies of your transcripts and degree certificates for all degrees as part of your application. If these documents are not in English, we would require official English translations of these as well.
Test Scores
Which test scores are required?
GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment (EA)
While not required for all applicants, the ASB MBA for Working Professionals Admissions Committee encourages all applicants who have already completed the GMAT/GRE/EA to submit their valid score. If you are applying for only the MBA for Working Professionals Program, and have not taken the GMAT/GRE/EA, we encourage you to consider taking the Executive Assessment (EA) or submit your application without a test score.
The EA is an alternative examination to the GMAT designed for time-sensitive senior executives. This assessment is shorter, easier to schedule, and requires less preparation than the GMAT or GRE. You can learn more about the EA here.
If the MBA for Professionals Admissions Committee is unable to access the quality of your quantitative background, then we may request you to take the GMAT/GRE/EA as part of an admissions consideration.
Please note if you are a non-bonded scholar who is seeking a role in a highly competitive firm or a top consulting company upon graduation, many of the top employers do request GMAT/GRE/EA scores.
It is strongly recommended all MBA for Working Professionals Students take time to refresh their quantitative skills. As part of the MBA for Working Professionals program, all admitted students will be required to successful complete an ASB quantitative prep course before beginning the program.
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 fulfil either of these requirements, you must submit an ESL test score to prove your English language proficiency. We accept one of the following test scores: TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English Advanced, Cambridge English Proficiency, PTE Academic and Malaysian University English Test (MUET).
Where can I get more information on the GMAT?
Applicants may visit MBA.com for more information on the GMAT exam, including sample questions and information on the test and registration.
What is the ASB school code for the GMAT?
There is no program code required for the GMAT.
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
Where can I get more information on the Executive Assessment (EA)?
Applicants may visit https://www.gmac.com/executive-assessment for more information on the EA exam, including sample questions and information on the test and registration.
What is the ASB school code for the EA?
There is no program code required for the EA.
Is there an exemption for the GMAT or GRE?
While not required for all applicants, the ASB MBA for Working Professionals Admissions Committee encourages all applicants who have already completed the GMAT/GRE/EA to submit their valid score. If you are applying for only the MBA for Working Professionals Program, and have not taken the GMAT/GRE/EA, we encourage you to just submit your application. If the MBA for Professionals Admissions Committee is unable to access the quality of your quantitative background, then we may request you to take the GMAT/GRE/EA as part of an admissions consideration.
Please note if you are a non-bonded scholar who is seeking a role in a highly competitive firm or a top consulting company upon graduation, many of the top employers do request GMAT/GRE/EA scores.
It is strongly recommended all MBA for Working Professionals Students take time to refresh their quantitative skills. As part of the MBA for Working Professionals program, all admitted students will be required to successful complete an ASB quantitative prep course prior to beginning the program.
Essays and Recommendations
Should I only include professional experience and goals in the cover letter and essays or also include personal interests to paint 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 for Working Professionals 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 mandatory essay should showcase examples of something you have done in the recent past. The cover letter should be used to tie together your past experience with your future goals, and how an ASB MBA for Working Professionals fits into that picture.
How are the letters of recommendation submitted?
All letters of recommendation are submitted online directly by your recommenders 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 two required letters 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 about 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?
MBA for Professionals requires one of your recommenders to be your current supervisor given the amount of time you will need to be out of the office. For your second recommender, it should be someone who knows you very well and can best speak to your professional development within a relatively recent timeframe.
Career Development
What does Career Development mean for MBA for Working Professionals?
MBA for Working Professionals focuses on Professional Development designed to help students move up the corporate ladder and be more successful long term. Programming is focused on the assumption students with to accelerate their career with their current employer. Our current track record is that 60% of the MBA-WP students have either received a promotion or increased responsibilities while still studying in the program.
Non-bonded scholars have full access to the MBA Full Time Residency Career Development programming that focuses most of their attention on the skills needed to be successful in an MBA Career Search.
I am thinking of a career change. How easily can I make a career transition after ASB?
Any career change involves change in one or more of 3 areas: industry, role, or geographical location. Changing one area will be significantly easier than changing all 3 simultaneously. For a student seeking to change two or more, we strongly recommend you consider the MBA Full Time Residency Program that provides Action Learning opportunities in multiple industries, and provides a Summer Associate Program, that gives you a chance to spend 6-8 weeks in a company in a new industry/role.
MBA for Working Professionals is designed for career accelerators, entrepreneurs, and intrapreneurs. Certainly, a student can make change, but change will be significantly easier with the Action Learning and Summer Associate Program curriculum of the MBA for Full Time Residency Program.
Are students required to complete an internship?
No. The MBA for Working Professionals Program does not include internships as all of our students are required to be employed during the program.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
What scholarships are available for the MBA-WP program?
We currently have 2 ASB Discount Awards that cover 40% of the Program Fees and 4 ASB – 30% Club Discount Awards that go towards 25% of the Program Fees [link]. Those receiving Discount Awards also have the opportunity to apply to Financial Aid after they have been admitted to the program.
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 the new application. You don’t want to be too repetitive of 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’ve seen a re-applicant make?
The biggest mistake re-applicants make is submitting the same exact application package as the year before. If something didn’t work the first time around, this is your chance to adjust your application materials.
How do you evaluate a re-applicant’s submission differently than a first-time application?
We are looking for all of 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 safe 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.
