In Collaboration with MIT Sloan
An immersive 12-month MBA by the Asia School of Business (ASB) in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, designed for professionals who aspire to lead in the global business arena
Everything you need
The vision of ASB is to be a global knowledge and learning center, blending the rigor of founding parents, MIT Sloan and Bank Negara Malaysia, with regional expertise, insights, and research from Asia and the emerging world.
Renowned leaders, exceptional scholars and dedicated educators committed to inspiring bright minds and nurturing a global community of leaders.
ASB’s MBA program provides students with a well-rounded curriculum to strengthen their understanding of all functional areas of business.
Where Mind, Meets Hand
At ASB, immerse yourself in hands-on, practical experiences by applying classroom knowledge to real-world business challenges.
Hear first hand
“Action Learning projects at ASB taught me the order of how you learn is key. My previous experience has always been to learn a particular subject in depth and then gain experience. The Action Learning model at ASB allows you to test out different areas and validate what you want to learn more of. This helped me successfully pivot in my career. I joined ASB, not knowing what I wanted to pursue. The AL experiences clarified that I wanted work in human capital.”
Nodira Bobojonova
“My Action Learning experiences helped me validate that I am genuinely interested to work in Sustainability and L&D because of the genuine excitement about the area. I want to help a company with a conscience make money.”
Wan Xin Low
Strategic collaboration
The MIT Sloan Immersion program includes a visit to the MIT campus in the United States, where students can immerse themselves in the learning environment and apply their knowledge in a globally recognized setting. It is an exciting opportunity for ASB students to:
Growth Mindset Journey
The Growth Mindset Journey embedded in our MBA and EMBA programs guides students to explore how mindsets shape values, personal definitions of success, and leadership styles. Through dynamic faculty-led sessions, in-class group discussions, and collaborative exercises, students engage deeply in the process of personal growth.
The Growth Mindset Project encourages students to be creative and ambitious, curating their development journey by focusing on skills and areas that have previously hindered their career progress. Students can work on up to three areas during the 12-month MBA journey. They are supported by the Growth Mindset team and receive additional individual executive coaching to achieve their goals.
Extended Learning Opportunities
After graduating from ASB, you will still have options to continue learning and leveraging ASB’s unique offerings and the access we can provide to other academic institutions of global stature.
Extend your stay at ASB for up to 4 months as a Scholar/Entrepreneur-in-Residence. We will provide you with office space for your entrepreneurial venture in the ASBhive or we will provide you with the opportunity to work with a professor in one of our research centers or with our corporate partners.
Apply to continue your studies at MIT in the Visiting Fellows Program. The MIT Sloan Visiting Fellows Program is a customized course of study that provides the freedom to explore all that MIT has to offer while cultivating the skills and tools required to generate impact where it matters most.
Apply to enroll in a 9-month Master’s degree program from MIT Sloan. The MS in Management Studies (MSMS) program is a STEM designated degree, providing international students with work authorization in the U.S. for three years.
The program offers the opportunity for a deep dive into an area of your interest, comprised solely of elective courses which can be completed at MIT. The MSMS degree is available exclusively to graduates from MIT partner schools such as ASB.
ASBhive
The IEC serves as a dynamic hub for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Essential knowledge for business mastery
Our core courses build a strong foundation in essential business disciplines, providing the critical skills needed to excel.
The actual course schedule and availability are subject to change.
Specialized skills for strategic advantage
Our elective courses offer specialized knowledge, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals.
The actual course schedule and availability are subject to change.
Numbers that Tell the Story
ASB boasts a graduation rate of 95%, demonstrating our commitment to supporting students through to successful completion of the program.
Our graduates secure top positions in leading global companies with an average starting salary of USD 108,000 (Approximate annual median salary, PPP-adjusted). This figure reflects the high demand for ASB alumni in the global job market.
ASB's diverse student body regularly consists of individuals from over 30 countries. Our current cohort includes students from Singapore, France, Malaysia, India, the United States, Brazil, and more. This international mix enriches the learning experience and prepares you to lead in a global environment.
ASB maintains strong partnerships with over 100 multinational companies worldwide, providing students with unmatched opportunities for internships, action-learning projects, and career placements.
With a network of 400+ students spread across 50+ countries, ASB graduates are part of a global community of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs who continue to support and inspire each other long after graduation.
Merit-based fellowships are awarded to applicants who demonstrate exceptional achievements in academic qualifications, work experience, professional and global diversity, and leadership impact. Each year, over RM700,000 in fellowships is granted to support our students in their MBA studies.
Applications for the next cohort are now open. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience.
Pricing
Start your journey
Enquire nowRM 150,000
(USD 35,000)
for the 12-month MBA
12-Month Tuition
Course Materials and usage of textbooks
Accommodation
Housing during MIT Immersion, Business Practicum, Action Learning projects (outside KL & Malaysia only), and Optional Industry Trek
Transportation
Airfare & Bus for Business Practicum and Action Learning Project
Contact us for more information about what it includes and does NOT include.
Merit-based fellowships will be available to applicants who demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in the areas of academic qualification, work experience, professional and global diversity, leadership impact and achievements, etc.
For priority fellowship consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply early in the admissions cycle (Round 1 or Round 2 deadlines).
To be considered for an ASB MBA fellowship, applicants will need to provide an essay (500 words) to support their interest and eligibility, and submit it together with a completed application.
Join us!
Nazatul Ruhaiza Abdul Wahab
Industry experience:
Experience: 20 years
Nazatul Ruhaiza works as a Principal Assistant Director in the Ministry of Finance, a role that strengthens her financial knowledge and critical thinking skills. She was involved in many decision-making processes in previous agencies and ministries.
Notable achievements include the placement process of 4,700 accounting staff in Malaysia and formulating Guidelines for Application of Petroleum Development Act (PDA) Licenses, which took effect in 2019.
Prior to that, she worked for Price Waterhouse Coopers Taxation Sdn. Bhd. as a Senior Associate Consultant.
Eric Haywood
Industry experience:
Experience: 8 years
Eric currently serves as president of the Data Analytics Club and the Supply Chain Operations and Energy Club at ASB. He is passionate about using advanced analytics techniques to inform business decisions.
He also runs a small green tech start-up that removes waste from marine ecosystems through supply chain innovation and product design.
He is an experienced International Business Development professional and joined ASB from the Max Company Limited, a leading Japanese diversified manufacturing company based in Tokyo, Japan.
Raodath Aminou
Industry experience:
Experience: 10 years
Raodath, a serial entrepreneur, came to Southeast Asia to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in emerging markets and especially to understand how these opportunities can develop Africa.
Prior to ASB, Raodath launched her first startup “OptiMiam” in Paris at 24 years old, a social impact startup which helped food merchants to fight against food waste. She managed a team of 15 full-time talents across 3 different departments while raising funds from Business Angels to develop her business.
OptiMiam has earned her international recognitions and saved 30 tons of food from waste. In addition to running a successful startup, she also promoted digital innovations in the food tech industry in France.
Bill Clinton Macalintal
Industry experience:
Experience: 6.5 years
Bill has more than six years of professional experience in the energy sector with a focus on planning and execution of plant maintenance strategy in the downstream oil and gas industry.
With the plant maintenance optimization projects Bill helped plan and implement in the largest oil and gas company in the Philippines, he was fascinated by how the intersection between technology and bringing people on board in a common objective can be stretched across different industries and transform organizations to being ethical and efficient, socially responsible and profitable, and capable of sustaining high financial performance over the long-term.
Gaukhar Kamalova
Industry experience:
Experience: 22 years
Gaukhar has 22 years of professional experience in industries such as heavy machinery (dealer of Caterpillar equipment) and aerospace (joint venture with Airbus DS), and quality management (6 Sigma Projects).
She took on various leadership roles in business areas such as supply chain and procurement management, SAP implementation, ISO standards preparation and auditing, contracting, 6 Sigma, and Lean projects.
Gaukhar aims to strengthen her ‘Smart’ & ‘Sharp’ skills and enhance her networking techniques to move to high-level management positions. Gaukhar runs her own business, offering eco-friendly replacements for disposable pads.
Luca Codagnone
Industry experience:
Experience: 3 years
Luca’s work experience closely reflects his interests. Over the last 3 years, he worked at top financial services companies such as Neuberger Berman, Clessidra Private Equity, and Bestinver Securities.
Alternatively interacting with either the private equity or the public equity market, Luca developed a diverse set of skills that allows him to understand how various types of investors apply their respective investment strategies in different markets.
After working across much of Europe and the US, Luca came to ASB to gain more exposure to the Southeast Asia region. As Asian multinationals’ subsidiaries mainly pursue operations and sales strategies, studying for twenty months in Malaysia will allow him to enhance his understanding of business dynamics and develop an extensive knowledge of the issues in manufacturing and service operations.
Jaime Suarez
Industry experience:
Experience: 10 years
Jaime has 10 years of professional experience in management, government affairs and international business. For over a decade, he worked for the Colombian Chinese Investment and Commerce Chamber, a private non-profit organization based in Colombia.
He started his career as an intern and moved up the ranks to Executive Director in 2016. As the Executive Director, he was able to create programs, strategies, and new sources of income for a newly formed chambers made up of well-recognized entities in both countries (Colombia and China).
Moreover, he worked with Colombian companies that wanted to do business in China and vice-versa with Chinese enterprises interested to establish their footprint in the Colombian market. In addition, he had the opportunity to travel with Colombia’s former President Ivan Duque during his official visit to China.
Have questions? Our admissions team is here to help. Contact us now to schedule a consultation to learn more about how ASB can be the right fit for your career aspirations.
Enquire nowOur alumni are in high demand across leading global companies
Meet Our Global Community
ASB is an incredible place to meet, learn from, and work with some of the most brilliant minds in the world. The diverse cohort has allowed me to expand my worldview and develop a truly global perspective.
Choosing ASB was one of the best decisions of my life. The program's focus on leadership and innovation, combined with the networking opportunities, has significantly boosted my career trajectory.
The combination of academic rigor and real-world application at ASB is unmatched. The diverse student body and the unique learning approach have equipped me with the skills and confidence to lead in any part of the world.
The action-learning projects at ASB gave me the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems, working directly with companies across the globe. This experience has been invaluable in preparing me for a leadership role in the global business environment.
Entering the MBA program provided me with exposure to diverse areas. I had the opportunity to interact and connect with many people from various industries. The Action Learning projects really helped me refine some skill sets that were either getting rusty or never really existed.
It was the Action Learning element of the program that got me. It’s different from working in a company where the stakes are high. These opportunities allow us to apply knowledge as we learn it, take risks, and be ambitious with our objectives
ASB’s curriculum is unlike any other – it pushes you to think critically and strategically. The exposure to international business practices through the MIT Sloan collaboration has been a game-changer for my career.
At ASB, I found a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference. The global connections I’ve made here have opened doors to opportunities I never thought possible.
The combination of academic rigor and real-world application at ASB is unmatched. The diverse student body and the unique learning approach have equipped me with the skills and confidence to lead in any part of the world.
Join a select group of ambitious leaders from around the world. Our application process is designed to identify individuals who are not only academically talented but also possess the drive to make a significant impact in their careers and communities.
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our counseling team
How many students are in each cohort?
The MBA program intake size is approximately 40-50 students.
Does the MBA degree come from ASB or MIT?
The MBA degree is granted by ASB. Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion from MIT Sloan and are also granted MIT Affiliate status. Among other benefits, this includes MIT Email Forwarding for Life as well as access to MIT Affiliate events, networks and communications around the world.
What does MIT Affiliate status mean?
The MIT-ASB Partnership provides students with an MIT Affiliate status, which includes the following benefits:
MIT Sloan Alumni Portal
MIT Sloan Events
MIT Sloan Electronic Communications
MIT Sloan Clubs
Will the courses I take at ASB allow me to earn credits toward an MIT degree?
Credits earned from the ASB courses cannot be applied towards an MIT degree. However, ASB MBA graduates have the opportunity to pursue the Master of Science in Management Studies (MSMS) degree at MIT, which is exclusively for graduates and alumni of MIT Sloan partner schools. Further details on the MSMS program may be received by filling out the form here.
Apart from the MSMS degree at MIT, what other post-MBA pathways are available to ASB students?
The following post-MBA pathways are available to ASB students upon completion of MBA:
Does ASB accept transfer credits from other MBA programs?
Transfer credits are NOT accepted towards the completion of the ASB MBA program.
Can students work full-time or part-time while attending classes at ASB?
No. The full-time MBA program requires the student to devote their time and attention to the program and students are not allowed to work simultaneously.
Where is ASB in the process of getting accredited?
ASB has been granted full accreditation by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), a quality assurance body that monitors and oversees the quality assurance practices and accreditation of entities offering national higher education degrees. ASB, being a private higher education institution operating in Malaysia, is regulated by the Ministry of Education (MoE), and as such is required to undergo MQA’s quality assurance process.
ASB is a member of AACSB and is currently working towards achieving international accreditation from AACSB. ASB remains on track to complete the process on time.
How do I register for an MBA event?
To register for an event please contact us.
Who teaches MBA classes at ASB?
ASB MBA classes are taught both by ASB resident faculty and visiting MIT faculty. Students also spend up to three weeks at MIT Sloan campus taking classes with MIT faculty in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
In what format are MBA classes delivered?
ASB MBA classes are taught in a variety and/or mixture of different formats.
To view the curriculum and class offerings, please complete the form here.
What is Action Learning?
Action Learning is experiential based teaching method is a hallmark of MIT Sloan and has been highly integrated into the ASB curriculum. It is the process of learning by working on real business challenges with host companies, using tools and frameworks taught in the classroom with the support of mentors, faculty experts and industry leaders.
The ASB MBA incorporates Action Learning throughout the course of the MBA program to allow students to immediately apply what they learned in the classroom to real business challenges. This
Action Learning at ASB can take the following forms:
Who are the Action Learning project hosts?
Action Learning hosts range from leading multi-national corporations (MNCs) to regional companies, government-linked companies, non-profits and start-ups. Industries are highly diverse. While team projects take place primarily in Malaysia and the ASEAN region, the Summer Associate Projects (akin to a traditional MBA summer internship) may take place anywhere in the world. We have had ASB MBA students on Summer Associate Projects in Northern America, Germany, Spain, Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines.
To browse our full list of partners, please complete the form here
What is ASB looking for in an MBA candidate?
The ideal ASB candidate is energetic, talented, and curious with an entrepreneurial mindset. We seek highly motivated students who are excited to be a part of an innovative MBA program and whose presence will enhance the experience of their peers. Smart, humble, curious, thoughtful problem-solvers who make things happen — these are adjectives that describe our students.
The ASB MBA program is rigorous. Students must have performed at a superior level in their previous university studies. They must also demonstrate the ability to pursue personal goals, exhibit a high level of personal integrity, and should have a minimum of two years of professional work experience.
Does ASB only accept applicants with work experience?
Applicants are strongly encouraged to have at least 2 years of full-time work experience post-Bachelor’s degree. Work experience suggests that the student will get more out of the MBA program and will have more to contribute to their peers.
What are the minimum requirements to apply to the ASB MBA program?
The Admissions Committee has a comprehensive process of evaluating applications. As part of the evaluation process, the minimum requirements mandated by the Ministry of Education in Malaysia must be met. These minimum requirements include:
We strongly encourage applicants to have at least 2 years of full-time work experience post-Bachelor’s degree, the average work experience of current ASB MBA students is 7 years).
Applicants are also strongly encouraged to submit scores from a GMAT or GRE exam, which demonstrates to us their level of commitment in pursuing MBA studies as well as level of quantitative competency.
Do I need an undergraduate degree in a specific field of study?
No. ASB welcomes applications from those with undergraduate degrees in all concentrations, including the humanities, the social and physical sciences, math and engineering.
I already have an MBA. Am I eligible to apply?
Candidates who hold an MBA degree from another university are eligible to apply. However, these candidates should detail their reason for pursuing a second MBA degree in their applications.
I already have a PhD. Am I eligible to apply?
Candidates who hold a PhD degree are eligible to apply.
I have a three-year bachelor’s degree from outside the United States. Am I eligible to apply?
Candidates with a three-year bachelor’s degree are welcome to apply. While assessing your academic background we take into consideration the competitiveness of the institutions you attended and your academic performance.
Does ASB allow married couples to apply?
Married couples are allowed to apply. Each person must complete and submit an individual online application.
Do applicants need to have work experience?
Work experience suggests that students will benefit more from their MBA studies and have more to contribute. Thus, we strongly prefer students with at least 2 years of work experience post- Bachelor degree prior to applying to ASB.
Does internship experience count as full-time work experience?
Internship experience is not accepted as full-time work experience. However, it will be considered as part of our application evaluation.
If I have been absent from work for a period of time, does it affect the chances of being admitted?
You are encouraged to address any time gaps present in your resume through the Optional Essay in your application.
How do you measure the quality of work experience among such a diverse applicant pool?
ASB uses a comprehensive competency model to evaluate candidates. ASB seeks candidates who demonstrate evidence of these competencies, which can come from a wide range of professional experiences.
Are there specific types of work experience and industries that you look for in candidates?
We are not looking for any specific industry experience. Instead, we want to see that you’ve been successful at, and reflective of, whatever it is you’ve chosen to do prior to pursuing your MBA.
Would lack of work experience in a major organization count against me in my application, despite the success of my independent venture?
We do not discriminate any kind of work experiences. Working in a small organization or start-up can provide very interesting and rich experiences, so you do not need to have worked in a large organization.
How do you factor in applicants with advanced degrees?
Advanced degree(s) may provide important evidence of academic accomplishment and success, and will be considered alongside an applicant’s undergraduate transcript(s).
Does PhD research count towards work experience?
Yes, PhD research is considered work experience.
Does ASB prefer applicants who have a more quantitative background?
ASB evaluates applicants’ verbal and quantitative abilities. Successful applicants with less quantitative experience may be asked to complete a series of math preparation modules as a condition of their admission to the MBA program. This is to ensure the success of candidates admitted into the program.
How important are extracurricular activities? Is it acceptable if some of the activities are work-related?
Applicants are encouraged to share their extracurricular activities and hobbies in the cover letter, essay(s), resume, and video sections of the application.
Is there a preference towards certain jobs before graduate business school?
We encourage applicants from a broad range of professional and academic backgrounds to apply.
What are the criteria by which the Admissions Committee evaluates applicants?
ASB is seeking candidates with intellectual capability and a high degree of emotional maturity. When reviewing applications and interviewing applicants, we are looking for candidates who articulate their professional and academic success, their ability to lead and influence others, their collaborative spirit and their interest in being at the center of emerging markets in Asia. Ultimately, the Admissions Committee is looking to assemble a class of highly qualified and diverse individuals who will bring the most to ASB and who will benefit the most from the MBA program.
How does the Admissions process work?
Application:
Applications are accepted through the online application which opens in September 2023 for the 2024 intake. There are four rounds of application deadlines:
Interviews:
Highly qualified candidates will be shortlisted and invited for an in-person or Zoom interview. Interviews will be conducted by invitation only.
Admissions Decisions:
All applicants are informed of admissions decisions through the online application system, including those who do not get invited to interview.
*It is always recommended to apply early in the admissions cycle. International students are strongly encouraged to apply in Rounds 1 or 2 due to timelines for processing international student visa applications.
Are some parts of the application valued more than others? In other words, what is the most important part of the application?
Every component of the application holds the same value. Applications are evaluated comprehensively and holistically, and all of the information captured helps the Admissions Committee evaluate the candidate’s unique qualifications.
What is the application fee?
There is no application fee.
How does ASB evaluate the English proficiency of an applicant?
The Admissions Committee requires all applicants whose native language is not English OR applicants who have not received a university degree taught in English to provide proof of their English language proficiency by submitting one of the following valid test scores. The minimum required score is in brackets:
We will only accept English language proficiency test scores taken within two years of the date of the intake for which you are applying.
If your undergraduate degree was taught in English and your institution was not from the following countries; USA, United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you will be required to provide supporting letter to confirm English language as the medium of instruction for the undergraduate degree.
Does ASB compare international applicants against one another?
All applicants, domestic and international, are evaluated equally. There are no quotas based on country or citizenship for international applications.
If I am an international student, when should I apply?
International students are strongly encouraged to apply in Rounds 1 or 2 due to the processing timelines required for international student visa.
Who reads the MBA applications and conducts the interviews?
Applications are reviewed and read by the professional admissions staff. Additionally, interviews are conducted by the members of the Admissions Committee.
How important is the interview within the final admissions decision?
Receiving an interview invitation means that the candidate has been shortlisted for further consideration. The interview is a very important part of the application process. We conduct behavioral based interviews, looking at past behavior as an indication of how you might handle future situations. We also evaluate your ability to communicate in a clear and professional manner. Furthermore, the interview is used as a platform to get to know you better beyond what is found in your written application. The interviewer will provide his/her recommendations to the Admissions Committee.
How long does an interview last?
An interview typically lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Does an applicant have to travel to Kuala Lumpur for interviews?
Interviews are conducted in hub cities around the world as well as on-campus in Kuala Lumpur. When necessary, interviews are conducted virtually through Zoom.
What does being on the waitlist mean?
The waitlist process differs from year to year, and will depend upon the number of applications we receive. Generally, waitlisted applicants will be automatically considered in the following round and will receive an updated decision in that round.
Does ASB offer deferrals?
ASB’s general policy is to not offer deferred admissions. We will consider deferral requests on a case-by-case basis.
May I have feedback on my application or interview?
Individual feedback on your submitted application and attended interview will not be provided during the admissions process due to the volume of application received. However, you may consult with members of our Admissions Team for advice and guidance before submitting your application.
Do I need to submit copies of my transcripts?
You will be required to scan your transcripts from all institutions that contributed to a degree and submit them as part of your online application. During the application process, we will accept unofficial transcripts. However, if your transcript is not in English, you will be required to provide a notarised English translation of your transcript when applying. You may use a professional translator in your locality or an English translation done by your university.
If your educational institution does not use a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) grading scale, you must ensure that your transcripts include a description of the grading scale. If your transcripts do not provide this information, you must submit supplemental official documentation describing the grading scale used, or upload a CGPA equivalent calculation. It will also be useful if you can provide supplemental official documentation that indicates the GPA (on a 4.0 scale) based on the grades or points awarded by your academic institution.
Applicants admitted to the program will be required to provide an official transcript signed and sealed from each school attended. All admitted students will receive further instructions after they receive their admission decision. Any discrepancy between the scanned transcripts and official transcripts will result in withdrawal of our offer of admission.
Do I need to submit copies of my diplomas and/or degree certificates?
You are required to scan and submit all diplomas/degrees certificates/testamurs for programs from which you have received a degree. If the original is not in English, you are required to submit a notarised English translation. Please note that we may not be able to move forward with consideration of your application or issue a decision should this document not be submitted.
If my transcript and/or degree certificate is not in English, will it need to be translated?
If your transcripts and/ or degree certificate is not in English, we will need them to be professionally translated into English by a professional translator in your city. We will also accept translations completed by your university.
How relevant are previous academic grades to be admitted into the program?
All of your previous academic work is important to us, and we will consider it, alongside everything else, in the evaluation process.
If I have a Master’s and/or PhD degree, would I need to submit transcripts and degree certificates of these?
Yes. We require scanned copies of your transcripts and degree certificates for all degrees as part of your application. If these documents are not in English, we require notarised English translations of these as well.
If I have a professional qualification such as ACCA, CFA etc, should I submit these as well?
Yes. Please scan/PDF these documents and upload these in the transcript section of the application.
Which test scores are required?
GMAT/GRE/EA:
While not required, the ASB Admissions Committee strongly encourages all applicants to submit a valid GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment (EA) score as part of their application. We accept GMAT, GRE or EA test results and have no preference for one over the other. ASB does not require a minimum GMAT, GRE or EA score in order to apply.
GMAT, GRE and EA test score information is useful for the admissions committee when making scholarship decisions. Furthermore, the GMAT is often requested by top companies when evaluating graduates for employment opportunities.
English as a Second Language (ESL):
Applicants should be native English language speakers or have received a Bachelor’s degree that was taught in English. If you do not fulfill either of these requirements, you must submit an ESL test score to prove your English language proficiency. We accept one of the following test scores: TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English Advanced, Cambridge English Proficiency, PTE Academic and Malaysian University English Test (MUET).
Should I take the GMAT?
Submitting a valid GMAT score as part of your application can only help the Admissions Committee in our evaluation. Furthermore, the GMAT is often requested by top companies when evaluating graduates for employment opportunities, and may also be required as part of the application for affiliated graduate programs (such as MIT Sloan’s MSMS program).
Where can I get more information on the GMAT, EA and GRE?
Applicants can get more details by submitting this form.
What is the ASB school code for the GMAT or EA?
There is no program code required for the GMAT or EA.
What is the ASB school code for the GRE?
MBA GRE School code: 7568
Is there an exemption for the GMAT, GRE or EA?
While ASB strongly encourages applicants to apply with their GMAT, GRE or EA test results and ultimately reserves the right to require a test score from all applicants, the Admissions Committee does not require one of these test scores in order to apply.
Applicants who chose not to apply with a GMAT, GRE or EA test score are advised to show evidence of “quantitative competency” in their application. This may be, but is not limited to, strong quantitative academic credentials during university academics, evidence of quantitative competency in their work experience, evidence of post-graduate quantitative-based certification, etc.
Please note that applicants without a test score may be granted conditional admission – that they have to take one of the mentioned tests or complete a 100-hour Math Prep course before matriculation. Failure to complete the Math Prep course before arriving on campus can result in withdrawal of admission, or being asked to defer admissions to the following year.
Should I only include professional experience and goals in the cover letter or also include personal interests to provide a more complete picture?
The cover letter is your way of introducing yourself to the admissions committee. It should be succinct and tie together your past experience, your goals for the future, and how the ASB MBA program can help you achieve them. You may include a mix of personal and professional experiences in order to convey your message.
Should I focus on past achievements or future goals?
The cover letter should showcase examples of something you have done in the recent past, and be used to tie together your past experience with your future goals, and how an ASB MBA fits into that picture.
How is the letter of recommendation submitted?
We require one recommendation letter to be submitted online directly by your recommender prior to the application deadline and according to the instructions in the online application. We do not accept recommendation letters via email. For more information, please fill out the form the here.
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.
If a recommender is not an English speaker, can I translate the letter of recommendation?
If a recommender is not an English speaker, an official translation should be submitted with the name of the translator.
May an additional letter of recommendation be submitted beyond the one required letter of recommendation?
Additional letters of recommendation will not be accepted.
What is the admissions committee looking for in the letter of recommendation?
We prefer professional recommendations over peer, personal, or academic recommendations. We want to understand your accomplishments relative to your peers and also get representative examples of what it is like to work with you. ASB utilizes the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation form in its online application. It is suggested that the recommender answers all the questions presented in the form, and utilizes the space at the end to elaborate more thoroughly on the applicant’s qualities, describing specific recent examples of strengths. A generic letter of recommendation without examples is discouraged. More information about the GMAC Letter of Recommendation form may be received by submitting the form.
What if I own my own business, or work for a family business? Who can I use as a recommender?
Recommenders should be people with whom you have a professional relationship and who can speak to your professional accomplishments. Ideally, a recommender should be someone who has been in a supervisory position to you. You may also ask a client, a mentor, or a co-founder to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. We suggest not using letters of recommendation from family members or friends.
What if my supervisor changes frequently? Should I submit a recommendation from a current supervisor or a past supervisor?
Recommenders should be people who know you best and can provide comments on your professional development within a relatively recent timeframe. This decision is ultimately up to you. In addition, you may want to consider using the optional essay question section to explain why your current employer/supervisor is not represented in your recommendations in order to clarify the situation in your application.
What if I cannot get a recommendation from my current employer or supervisor because I do not want to risk losing my job?
If you are unable to get a letter of recommendation from your current employer, you should seek someone else who can comment on your accomplishments in a professional setting. You may consider explaining why your current employer/supervisor is not represented in your application using the optional essay question section.
When re-applying, will the admissions committee review both the current and past year’s applications?
When re-applying, we may review your previous application along with your new application. It’s important to consider this when submitting a new application. You don’t want to be too repetitive with last year’s application, but at the same time, there should be some continuity. You should also highlight any updates or changes and be able to demonstrate personal and/or professional growth relative to your previous application.
What is the biggest mistake you have seen a re-applicant make?
The biggest mistake a re-applicant make is submitting the exact application they submitted before. If the past application, this is your chance to modify your application materials to a desired level. You may consult with members of our Admissions Team for advice and guidance before submitting your application.
How do you evaluate a re-applicants submission differently than a first-time application?
We are looking for all the same characteristics as a first-time applicant: examples of the applicant’s success professionally and academically, ability to lead and influence others, those who demonstrate a collaborative spirit and strong interest in the region/emerging markets. However, re-applicants have twice as much information that we can draw from (last year’s application and this year’s application) in the evaluation process.
Do you have any advice for a re-applicant who was invited to interview the prior year and was rejected? Is it fair to assume that the interview was poor and to improve in that area if the opportunity is presented again?
It is not advised to assume it was just the interview that did not go well, as we look at each applicant in a holistic manner. Therefore, it is important to make sure your new written application is also stronger.
What student clubs exist at ASB? What if I want to start a new club?
There are currently a number of student-led clubs at ASB. A list of current student clubs may be recieved by filling this form. The portfolio of student clubs keeps growing with each new intake. These clubs sponsor events, invite guest speakers, organize conferences, and participate in sports activities. If none of the student organization suits your interest, you are welcome to start a new club and submit a proposal to the MBA team for funding
Can you tell me about residential life at ASB? How many students live on campus?
Yes, students may opt to stay in the ASB Residence at a discounted rate
The ASB resident is a multi-block 28,000 square meter facility that houses up to 350 visiting and full-time students as well as ASB staff and executive education clients. ASB’s location in the heart of Kuala Lumpur also means the city life is only a few minutes away. Our residence is fully equipped with:
How would you define the culture of ASB, and what kind of support programs and activities are available for strengthening relationships among students?
As a young school, you are an integral part of building the culture of ASB for generations of students to come. Our culture revolves around our five values: Respect for People, Continuous Learning, Excellence, Well-Being, and Collaboration. Our small class size, as well as the extensive work completed in study teams and Action Learning teams, makes each cohort extremely close-knit.
Are spouses and partners welcome at ASB?
Roughly 20% of our students choose to come with their partners to ASB. Residential facilities are available for all students, including those with families (spouses and children). Spouses and partners are an important part of the ASB community, and are welcome to participate in clubs and social life at ASB. Some SOs (Significant Others) are key club members and event organizers at ASB.
How often are students able to interact with faculty while on campus?
You will get to know your professors not only inside the classroom, but outside the classroom as well. Both MIT visiting faculty and resident ASB faculty are highly accessible, and students feel comfortable approaching them in their offices and asking for career advice, project ideas, etc. It is not uncommon for MIT professors to spend time with the students outside of the classroom during their visit. ASB resident faculty also serve as mentors and advisors to student teams, travel with students on study tours, and provide networking contacts during job searches.
Is a campus visit required?
We strongly encourage you to come to ASB to get to know us and our culture a bit better. However, due to the pandemic and government regulations, we encourage you to get in touch with us by filling out this form to find out if we are accepting in-person visits and to schedule an appointment. For safety reasons, we may not be able to accommodate you if you drop by unannounced. Typically, visits last about 45 minutes – during your visit you may have a chat with Admissions and a short campus tour.
You are also welcome to come attend one of our on-campus and online Admissions events that occur throughout the year – please check the current schedule by contacting us here.
