Asia School of Business

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Executive Education

PhD in Management

((N/0414/8/0052)(05/31)(MQA/PA17423)

3 to 6 years

Full Time

4 to 8 years

Part Time

Research Method

Mode Offering

Rolling Intake

Start Date

Overview

Our PhD in Management is specifically designed for individuals who aspire to acquire advanced research skills and explore scientific knowledge in economics, business, management, and beyond.

As a student in our program, you will have the freedom to delve deep into your chosen research area within business management. We believe in empowering you to contribute to the advancement of business knowledge through rigorous training and impactful research. This program prepares candidates to become thought leaders in academia, industry, and policymaking.

 

Why Pursue a PhD with Us?​

Broad research topics​

Enjoy the flexibility to explore various subjects in business management, including economics, supply chain, finance, consumer behavior, and marketing.​

World-class & globally diverse faculty​

Learn from MIT-affiliated and globally diverse faculty who offer expert guidance and close mentorship throughout your PhD journey.

Funding & support​

Benefit from generous financial support and dedicated mentorship to help you pursue your PhD with confidence and focus.

Facility spaces​

Modern and centrally located campus in the heart of southeast asia​.

Application Guidelines

Academic and Professional Requirements

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution of higher learning, with degree certificate and official transcript.
  • Academic CV.
  • Research proposal (including the proposed research theme, its relevance, and potential contribution).
  • Recommendation by an academic/professional
  • Proof of Research Methodology competency at Master’s level (coursework, mixed mode, or research/dissertation/thesis), completed within the last five years and carrying equivalent credit.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by meeting at least one of the following minimum scores (valid within 2 years of application):

  • MUET: minimum Band 4
  • IELTS: minimum overall band 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: minimum score 60
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): minimum score 59
  • Cambridge English: minimum score 169
  • Or an equivalent recognized English qualification

You may be exempted from submitting a test score if:

  • You are from a country where English is the official language, OR
  • Your previous degree was fully taught in English. In such cases, you must provide official evidence (e.g., a letter from your institution).

With only a small number of candidates admitted each year, the Doctor of Philosophy​ in Management program maintains rigorous academic standards. To stand out and secure a place, applicants are encouraged to submit a strong, well-rounded application.

Pre-Apply / Inquire

Start by submitting a pre-application form for a preliminary eligibility check. Contact phd@asb.edu.my with further questions.

Apply

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and provided with a private link to submit the full application.

Application Review

Admissions verifies eligibility based on MQA criteria. If eligible, faculty may reach out for an interview. The PhD Committee will review your application and determine program fit and funding eligibility.

Decision & Enrollment

Successful candidates will receive an official admission letter, funding details, and instructions on the next steps for onboarding and arrival.

PhD Program Director ​

Professor Michael Frese holds appointments at Asia School of Business (Malaysia) and Leuphana University (Germany). He previously held key roles at NUS, University of Giessen, and London Business School, among others, and has lectured internationally. ​

His research focuses on organizational behavior and work psychology, including unemployment effects, workplace stress, personal initiative, entrepreneurial success, error management, training programs, and cross-cultural organizational studies. He has extensively studied entrepreneurship in developing regions and innovation in Asia.​

His research on personal initiative training for entrepreneurs has gained global recognition. ​

Michael Frese

Distinguished Professor, Professor of Organization & Management

Research Focus Areas

Our PhD in Management offers candidates the flexibility to pursue research across a diverse range of focus areas within business management.

  • Administration 
  • Change Management 
  • Educational Management 
  • Entrepreneurship 
  • General Business 
  • Human Resource Management 
  • International Business 
  • Logistic Management
  • Management Studies 
  • Organizational Theory and Behavior 
  • Strategic Management 
  • Supply Chain Management 
  • Banking and Finance 
  • Economics 
  • Accounting 
  • Marketing

Fees & Funding​

We understand that pursuing a PhD is a significant commitment, and we strive to support our candidates through various funding options.​

Tuition Fees (Full-Time)​
  • International students: RM 150,000 (RM 50,000 per year)​
  • Local students: RM 120,000 (RM 40,000 per year)
Tuition Fees (Part-Time)
  • Local students: RM 160,000 (RM 40,000 per year)

If a student exceeds the standard duration (3 years full-time / 4 years part-time), the same annual fee will apply for each extension year, unless otherwise communicated in writing, up to the maximum candidature (6 years full-time / 8 years part-time).

Fee waivers may be available, subject to approval by the PhD Admissions Council. Details will be outlined in the admission letter.

Research Funding​

PhD candidates may apply for discretionary research funds or external research grants to support their academic work.​

Living Expenses​

While the program does not automatically cover living costs, PhD students may explore opportunities for research or teaching assistantships where available.

Annual Stipend, Conference and Research Support

Annual stipend, conference, and research support may be available, subject to approval by the PhD Admissions Council. There is no separate application to secure the funding. Details will be outlined in the admission letter.

 

Get in Touch

PhD in Management Program Director
PhD in Management Program