Batman - Asia School of Business

From the left: Dr Nungsari, Dr Zeti Aziz, Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz and Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar

Three Presidents. One conversation. At MIT Sloan School of Management.

What does it take for a business school to stay globally relevant — while remaining deeply rooted in its region — in an era shaped by AI and shifting geopolitical dynamics?

At a recent dialogue, graciously hosted by MIT Sloan in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Asia School of Business (ASB) brought together three generations of the School’s leadership — current CEO, President and Dean, Professor Joseph Cherian; former President, Professor Sanjay Sarma; and Founding President, Professor Charles Fine — for a timely discussion on the future of education, leadership, and global competitiveness.

“We have a cross-disciplinary approach… a very engineering way of thinking about problems,” shared Professor Joseph, our current CEO, President and Dean, highlighting ASB’s evolving trajectory as a globally relevant institution anchored in Southeast Asia.

For Professor Sanjay, the shift is even more fundamental: “AI is no longer just another technology — it’s a way of thinking required to navigate a complex world.”

Reflecting on ASB’s founding philosophy, Professor Charles emphasized the importance of cultural and intellectual bridging: “We built a culture that could engage both the East and the West — and understand the challenges of both.”

Moderated by Andrew Foley (Assistant Professor of Management and Organizations, NYU Stern, and MBA 2018 — ASB’s inaugural cohort), the session explored how institutions can translate global trends into meaningful impact for Malaysia, the wider Asian region, and beyond.

As AI continues to reshape industries, the way we work and talent demands, the conversation reinforced a clear idea: The future of business education lies not just in global excellence — but in local relevance, contextual understanding, and the abilities to navigate and thrive across worlds.

“Global Excellence, Local Relevance: Academic Leadership at the Intersection of AI and Global Fragmentation” held at MIT Sloan’s Wong Auditorium

From the left: Dr Nungsari, Dr Zeti Aziz, Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz and Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar

Leaders’ handshake seals pathway from ASB to Cornell

Professor Joseph Cherian, CEO, President & Dean of the Asia School of Business (ASB), and Professor Andrew Karolyi, Charles Field Knight Dean of Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, together inked a new extended pathway for ASB’s graduates.

This collaboration enables eligible ASB MBA, Executive MBA and Master in Central Banking students, as well as alumni, to pursue the Master’s in Business Analytics (MSBA) in New York — deepening their analytical capabilities with global exposure.

From ASB to Cornell. From the heart of Southeast Asia to New York.

More pathways. More connections. More possibilities.

For info on the diverse post-MBA pathways offered by ASB, visit https://asb.edu.my/academic-program/mba-program/

A handshake between great leadership programs. A pathway for the future.
Signing ceremony at the sidelines of the AACSB International Conference and Annual Meeting 2026

#AsiaSchoolofBusiness #GlobalInquiryLocalHeart

From the left: Dr Nungsari, Dr Zeti Aziz, Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz and Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar

On 14 April, our CEO, President and Dean, Dr. Joseph Cherian, spoke at the AACSB International Conference and Annual Meeting (ICAM), where he delivered his session, The Value of an MBA Viewed as a Portfolio of Options. In his presentation, he explored how the value of an MBA can be reframed in the context of uncertainty—highlighting the role of experiential learning, flexible credentials, and opportunity cost in shaping modern business education. His presentation slides are available for viewing below.

From the left: Dr Nungsari, Dr Zeti Aziz, Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz and Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar

Asia School of Business Engages in Global Dialog on the Value Propositions of Degrees at the AACSB ICAM 2026 in Seattle.

On 14 April 2026, the Asia School of Business (ASB) will participate in the AACSB International Conference and Annual Meeting (ICAM) 2026 in Seattle, one of the premier global gatherings for leaders from business schools and education institutions.

Organized by AACSB International, the world’s largest business education network, the conference reflects AACSB’s role in shaping business education through accreditation, thought leadership, and a network of leading institutions. Its International Conference and Annual Meeting (ICAM) brings together institutions, educators, and industry partners from more than 60 countries, serving as a platform for leaders to exchange perspectives on the evolving role of business schools, leadership, and management education. ICAM 2026 will focus on how business schools can remain relevant amid rapid economic, technological, and societal changes, while strengthening the collective impact of the AACSB community.

ASB’s participation in ICAM 2026 reflects the School’s ongoing engagement in these conversations. Representing ASB, its CEO, President, and Dean, Professor Joseph Cherian, will speak alongside fellow deans from the United States and Sweden, offering perspectives shaped by ASB’s engagement with global business education and its experience operating in a dynamic Asian context.

This engagement builds on ASB’s continued participation in AACSB’s platform. In October 2025, Professor Cherian contributed to discussions at AACSB Elevate Asia Pacific in Hong Kong, where he spoke on the role of business schools in building entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems.

Against this backdrop, Professor Cherian notes, “The greatest challenge facing business schools today is remaining relevant to their mission. While each school must ultimately find its own distinctive niche, every institution shares the responsibility of developing well-trained, transformative, principled, business-ready, and results-oriented leaders.”

A full version of Professor Cherian’s remarks at AACSB Elevate Asia Pacific in Hong Kong in 2025 is available here.

Further details on the upcoming ICAM 2026 program, including sessions and speakers, click here.

From the left: Dr Nungsari, Dr Zeti Aziz, Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz and Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar

P&G Center for Sustainable Small-owners Launches Two Insightful Publications on Research and Oil Palm Smallholder Sustainability and Inclusion

2 November 2025, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The P&G Center for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS) at the Asia School of Business (ASB) has launched two new books under its Road to Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) series, marking another milestone in evidence-based research and inclusive sustainability for Malaysia’s independent palm oil smallholders.

The books were unveiled during the Smallholder Dinner and Certificate Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in conjunction with the RSPO Annual Roundtable 2025 (RT25).

The two titles — The Road to Certified Sustainable Palm Oil: A Guide to Understanding and Managing Peat Farms for Smallholders and The Road to Certified Sustainable Palm Oil: Learning from the Farms – Research for Impact — reflect CSS’s dual commitment to science-based knowledge and practical empowerment for smallholders through the P&G Smallholder Program.

Established in 2019 with support from Procter & Gamble (P&G) and hosted by ASB, CSS bridges research and practice to empower over 900 independent smallholders in Batu Pahat and Pontian, Johor, with sustainable, inclusive, and data-driven farming solutions, bringing them to achieve RSPO Smallholder certification and receive Premium for their oil palm produce. Rooted in field research and farmer collaboration, CSS represents an impactful effort to ensure that no farmer is left behind in the transition to certified sustainable palm oil.

“Sustainability in palm oil cannot be achieved by exclusion. It must include every farmer, different soil types, and every local reality,” said Professor Joe Cherian, CEO, President, Dean, and Distinguished Professor at ASB. “These books show how science, fieldwork, and partnership can transform challenges into pathways for inclusion, productivity, and environmental responsibility.”

P&G Chemical’s Sustainability Director, Francis Wiederkehr, echoed this commitment:

“In today’s global supply chains, including smallholder farmers is not just a philanthropic add-on — it is fundamental to our ESG strategy. When we support independent growers with knowledge, access, and systemic inclusion, we strengthen supply chain resilience, elevate livelihoods, and advance our ambition to source responsibly. Sustainable sourcing only becomes truly sustainable when every farmer, big or small, is a partner in the journey.”

Dr. Asad Ata, Director of CSS and Professor of Practice in Operations and Supply Chain Management at ASB, added:

“This publication shines a light on tropical peatlands, that are not to be further developed given their importance as carbon sinks and are often seen as difficult for cultivation. With Malaysia and Indonesia home to over 23 million hectares of peatland, 10% of which is cultivated with oil palm, it is important to reframe them as opportunities for responsible and inclusive sustainability to avoid exclusion of the smallholders and further deterioration of the soil. This guide provides a timely, science-based reference for smallholders with existing peatland plantations on how to balance productivity with preservation.”

Independent smallholders continue to face barriers such as limited access to knowledge, financing, and markets, as well as the complexities of managing peat soils and meeting certification requirements. The two books highlight practical, inclusive, and research-driven solutions to overcome these challenges and strengthen smallholder participation in sustainable supply chains.

Book 1: Understanding and Managing Peat Farms for Smallholders

This publication shines a light on tropical peatlands, often seen as difficult for cultivation, by reframing them as opportunities for responsible and inclusive sustainability. With Malaysia and Indonesia home to over 23 million hectares of peatland, 10% of which is cultivated with oil palm, the guide provides a timely, science-based reference on how to balance productivity with preservation.

Four Key Highlights:

Bridging Science and Practice – Translates global research on peat and climate into locally relevant, farmer-friendly insights.
Inclusivity in Sustainability – Promotes responsible management for legacy peat farms, ensuring no farmer is left behind, and they continue to benefit from the land, while preserving it for the future.
Evidence-Based Interventions – Field data show farms applying good agricultural practices (GAP) achieved up to 35% yield improvement within three to four years.
Shared Responsibility Framework – Connects peat management to Malaysia’s NDPE commitments and the UN SDGs, reinforcing smallholder roles in climate action.

Book 2: Learning from the Farms – Research for Impact

A compilation of applied studies, this volume showcases how real-world data from the program’s smallholder farms in Johor inform CSS’s program design, impact assessment, and policy engagement. It includes 11 studies across four themes; supply chain and traceability, RSPO smallholder certification, training and GAP awareness, and environment and agronomy.

Four Key Highlights:

Field-Based Evidence – Data from learning and control farms guide targeted, measurable interventions.
Digital Traceability Models – A Johor pilot demonstrates how digital tools modernize collection centers and enhance transparency.
Practical Impact – Shows how awareness and capability building foster sustainable practices and stronger livelihoods.
Scalable Solutions – Offers replicable models for policymakers, donors, and industry to expand responsible sourcing and inclusion.

Advancing Evidence-Based Sustainability through Collaboration

Both publications reinforce CSS’s role as a research and implementation hub at ASB. By combining academic rigor with practical fieldwork, CSS supports Malaysia’s broader sustainability and climate goals—advancing ethical sourcing, carbon stewardship, and smallholder prosperity.

CSS has collaborations with many industry stakeholders, including the plantation groups, district farmer associations and cooperations, such as Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan, fertilizer chains and research and academic institutions such as UiTM, and Kellogg Northwestern, USA.

As the journey toward CSPO continues, CSS calls on academia, corporations, NGOs, and policymakers to collaborate in scaling inclusive, data-driven solutions that empower smallholders as equal partners in a sustainable future.

The CSS Road to CSPO series can accessed at https://csslibrary.publuu.com

Issued by: Asia School of Business

Contact:
Dr. Asad Ata
Centre for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS)
Asia School of Business
11, Jalan Dato Onn,
50480 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA
Tel: +603 2023 3000
Email: hello.css@asb.edu.my

ABOUT THE P&G CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE SMALL-OWNERS (CSS)
The P&G Center for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS) was launched in 2019, by funding from Procter & Gamble (P&G), to deliver on its Ambition 2030 goals through the P&G smallholders initiative. Housed at Asia School of Business (ASB), CSS is committed to empowering and improving smallholders’ livelihoods through traceability, compliance and capacity building through training and implementation of sustainable and best in class agricultural practices in accordance with global standards.

P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit https://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G. For further information on P&G’s Responsible Palm Sourcing Program please contact: Dr Siân Morris (morris.s.1@pg.com).

ASB was established in 2015 in collaboration with MIT Sloan School of Management. ASB’s mission is to become a premier school of management in Asia and be recognized for its ability to develop transformative and principled leaders who will contribute to a better future and advance the emerging world. For more information, see https://asb.edu.my/research-office/center-sustainable-small-owners/.

Sporting careers can fulfil fantasies and broaden horizons. Jeffrey Ong Kuan Seng did not just live the dream; his biography might be called the Ballad of East and West. Like Rudyard Kipling, one of Malaysia’s most celebrated swimmers knows that “the twain” can not only meet, but also enjoy the best of both worlds.

“With a dad from Penang and a mum from England,” he says, “I always aimed to have the best of East and West. And it’s not East versus West, it’s about balance, and I think I’ve achieved a good balance.” The way he’s kept his equilibrium, he’s the living embodiment – both in and out of the water.

GROWING UP IN PENANG
Maintaining equilibrium is a crucial part of swimming, which is a tough gig. Distance swimming is even tougher, and he did it the hard way. At 13, he went to an overseas boarding school; university was on yet another continent. But his horizon was already after all – didn’t matter because his intrepid future mum “took the leap,” as he puts it, into what was then a backward, third world country – and stayed.” They duly married, and by the time Jeffrey, the third of four children, was born in 1972, the family was ensconced on Penang Island, and so he began an idyllic childhood. “My dad was a swimmer,” he says, “as were my older siblings, Steven and Katerina. They used to go to the Chinese Swimming Club in Tanjung Bungah, and I would tag along. “By 11, I knew I had talent, and “Rina”, who won medals at the SEA Games and was Sportswoman of the Year in 1980, was my inspiration. The swimming coach, Lin Boon Lee, was a legend and helped me build the foundation for swimming success. “I went to Wellesley Primary and had one year at St Xavier’s Institution. Growing up in Penang then was amazing. It was all very harmonious. I had Malay, Indian, Chinese and broad, his balance worthy of a tightrope walker.

Read more on The Expat.

From the left: Dr Nungsari, Dr Zeti Aziz, Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz and Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar

On 19 November, our CEO, President and Dean, Dr. Joseph Cherian, spoke at Elevate: Asia Pacific in Hong Kong, where he delivered his session, From Economics to Ecosystems, as part of the panel “Building Entrepreneurial and Innovation Ecosystems.” In this session, he discussed how business schools can serve as incubators of innovation—partnering with startups, corporations, and policymakers to nurture entrepreneurial mindsets and drive inclusive growth. His presentation slides are now available for viewing below.

In mid-August, SwedCham Malaysia together with the Swedish Embassy had the honor of welcoming Mr. Stefan Ingves to the Swedish Residence for an engaging talk with members of the Swedish business community. Mr. Ingves is best known for his long tenure as Governor of Sveriges Riksbank, Swedish Central Bank (2006–2022), where he was instrumental in shaping Sweden’s monetary policy and strengthening financial stability, as well as his leadership roles with the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. Now serving on the Board of Asia School of Business (ASB) in Kuala Lumpur, Mr. Ingves shared valuable insights into the current economic situation in Sweden as well as globally, including trends in monetary policy, inflation, and financial market dynamics. His visit offered the business community a rare opportunity to hear from one of Sweden’s most influential financial leaders. Prior to Mr Ingves lecture, Professor Hans Genberg gave a brief introduction to Asia School of Business and what type of programs they offer. (Reach out to us at the Secretariat if you are interested to collaborate with ASB; IKEA had a fruitful collaboration with their senior business students two years back!)

Originally published by Swedcham Malaysia Newsletter

From the left: Dr Nungsari, Dr Zeti Aziz, Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz and Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar

Good afternoon, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends.

It is both a privilege and an honor to stand before you today as we mark the Preliminary Launch of the Tun Ismail Ali Center of Excellence in Monetary and Financial Economics at the Asia School of Business. This momentous occasion is the result of significant collaboration, vision, and dedication, and I am deeply grateful to all of you for joining us as we take this critical step forward.

First, allow me to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Tan Sri Zeti Aziz, the Founding Chair of ASB and former Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, for delivering the first keynote address. Your invaluable insights set the tone for today’s event, and we are privileged to have you with us. Similarly, I would like to express my appreciation to Dato’ Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour – who we affectionately refer to as Governor Rasheed – for sharing your distinguished perspectives in the second keynote. Your leadership at Bank Negara has been instrumental in guiding Malaysia’s monetary policy and financial system. Finally, we are honored by the presence of Professor Hélène Rey, the Lord Bagri Professor of Economics at London Business School, whose academic expertise and thought leadership in global financial systems provide a crucial context for our discussions today.

I would be remiss not to extend special thanks to Bank Negara Malaysia for its visionary support in the creation of the Tun Ismail Ali Center. Your commitment to excellence and innovation in monetary and financial economics has been integral in realizing this endeavor. In particular, I would like to acknowledge Deputy Dean Melati Nungsari and the dedicated staff at ASB who have worked tirelessly alongside our partners at Bank Negara. While I cannot claim credit for the Center’s formation, I have had the privilege of witnessing the relentless efforts that have brought us here today − efforts that will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of this initiative.

As we embark on this exciting journey, I would like to reiterate our commitment to making the Tun Ismail Ali Center a premier research hub in the fields of monetary policy, central banking, and financial economics. Our primary focus will be to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing emerging markets, where the need for innovative and contextually relevant solutions has never been more pressing.

In this regard, our work will be both academically rigorous and deeply connected to the realities of policy and practice. Too often, academic research becomes abstract, esoteric, and disconnected from the real-world challenges it seeks to address. Worse still, it becomes inaccessible to those who need it the most. Our vision for the Tun Ismail Ali Center is to bridge this gap by fostering research that is not only theoretically robust but also practically relevant to policymakers, practitioners, and communities across the globe.

Central to our mission is collaboration—with Bank Negara Malaysia, other key stakeholders in the financial sector, as well as Malaysian universities and research institutions. By forging these partnerships, we aim to catalyze impactful research that will drive policy innovation, financial stability, and economic development.

Our overarching vision is to build capacity for the future—to nurture the next generation of scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders in critical areas of monetary and financial economics. We are committed to ensuring that the Tun Ismail Ali Center will not only be a center of academic excellence but also a beacon of thought leadership that remains relevant and responsive to the evolving challenges of the global economy.

As we look forward to the work ahead, let us remember that our success will be measured not just by the quality of our research but by its ability to shape the future of monetary and financial systems in ways that are impactful, inclusive, and sustainable.

Thank you once again for being here to share in this milestone with us. Together, we will contribute to a legacy of innovation and excellence in monetary and financial economics.

Abstract: Asia School of Business (ASB) conducted recently the China leg of its global leadership program (GLP), under which representatives from Malaysian governmental and financial institutions toured forerunner cities and companies in south China.

BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) — Asia School of Business (ASB) conducted recently the China leg of its global leadership program (GLP), under which representatives from Malaysian governmental and financial institutions toured forerunner cities and companies in south China.

The program, led by Gillian Ng, executive director of ASB-Iclif Executive Education Center, set a four-day long in-depth learning journey for its China leg from August 25 to 28.

In Shenzhen, Malaysian representatives visited Tencent’s headquarters to explore the latter’s latest breakthroughs in sectors such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, 5G, and AI.

Tencent’s management team expounded how its digital innovation has enabled the agricultural economy, distance education, and telemedicine services to them, who gained a deeper understanding about how technology is driving social and industrial transformation and shaping the future business landscape.

Later, they visited BYD, where they sighted BYD’s cutting-edge “Blade Battery” technology and watched a spectacular dance show by BYD’s smart electric vehicles, marveling at the Shenzhen-based Chinese auto maker’s determination and innovative endeavors in overcoming challenges on its path to become a global leader in electrical vehicle (EV) industry.

When visiting UBTech, another Shenzhen-based firm adept at industrial application of humanoid robots, Malaysian representatives interacted with multiple robots and experienced their application in manufacturing, hazardous operations, and public services.

Focusing on solving labor shortages and workplace safety issues, UBTech has innovated around real-world challenges and provided a new perspective on how robotics and automation drive the sustainable development of industries, according to the company’s R&D team.

Meanwhile, a visit to Qianhai Taikang International Hospital in Shenzhen was also arranged under GLP. Malaysian representatives learned about the hospital’s smart healthcare solutions and digital patient management system, which improved operational efficiency, optimized patient experience and allocated medical resources more effectively.

In Guilin, they paid a visit to Esquel Group, a world-leading textile manufacturer. After communicating with Esquel’s senior management, they better understood how Esquel, amid numerous international challenges, adhered to its sustainable development transformation strategy to promote technological upgrading and process innovation.

In Esquel’s garden-like production park, they witnessed the company’s continuous efforts in green manufacturing and reducing environmental impact via empowering industry technological innovation and leading breakthroughs in waterless dyeing technology.

In addition, these Malaysian representatives attended a special lecture by economist Rong Sen entitled “China’s Economic Pattern and Development of Green Finance”, gaining a deeper knowledge on China’s latest trends and practical achievements in economic transformation, industrial upgrading, and green finance.

During the four-day journey, business executives of the Malaysian representatives group also discussed with Chinese entrepreneurs and experts on topics such as industrial trends, innovative development, business models, and sustainable strategies.

Apart from business and technology learning, the GLP also included a cultural experience session. Malaysian business executives tried traditional Chinese tie-dye craftsmanship firsthand and took a boat tour on the Li River to appreciate the unique charm of Chinese culture and the beauty of nature.

From learning about Tencent’s digital innovation, BYD’s resilient breakthroughs, UBTech’s value-driven robotics, Taikang’s smart healthcare, to Esquel’s sustainable transformation, the program provided participants with cutting-edge insights at the intersection of business, technology, and sustainable development.

Originally published by Xinhua Silk Road Information Service.