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Asia School of Business

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Innovation

Executive MBA

((N/0414/7/0050) (08/24) (MQA/FA12248))
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HRD Corp
Claimable

16

Months Course Duration

Modular & Weekend

Course Format

Jan 2025

Start Date

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Executive MBA Program

Overview

The Asia School of Business (ASB) Executive MBA Program offers a transformative 16-month journey tailored for busy professionals. Through a blend of modular and hybrid weekend classes, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge essential to thrive in today’s global economy. 

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51 %

Female Students

15

Average Year of Working Experience

2

Domestic & International Practicums

3

Weeks at MIT

Core Curriculums

Curriculums

Students are required to complete a minimum of 40 credit hours, including three electives, two practicums (one domestic & one international), 3 weeks at MIT Sloan and Learning in Action. Additionally, students complete a core that has been handpicked by the faculty to ensure EMBA students graduate with the skills they need to run a business.

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View the Program Schedule
  • Operations Management
  • Organizational Behavior & Leadership
  • Marketing
  • Data Analytics
  • Managerial Economics
  • Competitive Strategy
  • Finance & Accounting
  • System Dynamics
  • Negotiations
  • Entrepreneurship
  • HR Management
  • Ethics and Corporate

Professional Development & Executive Coaching
An extensive series of workshops runs throughout the program.

In person & Online Electives available

Approximately 12 – 15 electives offered each academic year

Sample of current electives include:

  • Scenario Planning
  • Systems Optimization
  • Strategies for People Analytics
  • Platforms, Auctions & Competition through Games
  • Advanced Data Analytics
  • Political Economies
  • Energy: Markets, Policies and Sustainability
  • Managerial Accounting
  • Legal Tender: Histories of Law & Money; Portfolio Management
  • Supply Chain Fundamentals

Career Path & Outcome

Career Impact

Step into a transformative experience at ASB and continue to build upon your leadership capability. The academic curriculum, combined with hands-on coursework, professional development workshops, executive coaching, and exposure to diverse political, cultural, and strategic perspectives, is designed to help you expand your leadership skills.  

 

With a focus on both academic frameworks and real-world industry experience, ASB is dedicated to helping you become the best leader you can be. Here are some of the supports that we offer: 

The Executive MBA Professional Development Curriculum focuses on:

 

  • Self Mastery
  • Building & Nurturing Relationships
  • Communications
  • Talent Management Essentials
  • Executive Coaching

In addition to workshops and speakers, you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of Executive Coaching and self-assessments throughout the entire program to personalize and refine your unique leadership development journey. These opportunities will help you achieve your full potential and grow as a leader.

Balancing work, family, and school can be a challenge, but the rewards are well worth it! The Executive MBA program at ASB is designed to help you achieve your goals and boost your long-term career growth. Inspired by the philosophy of “Mind and Hand” from MIT Sloan, you’ll have the opportunity to immediately apply what you learn in the classroom to your work and make an immediate impact.

 

Imagine the new perspectives and expertise you’ll bring to your daily work and the valuable relationships you’ll build with classmates from diverse industries and backgrounds. With the Executive MBA, you’ll have the tools to become a change-maker and grow your leadership capabilities in your organization.

At ASB, we’re committed to supporting you even after you graduate. Our alumni services include personalized career coaching, engaging webinars and workshops, and the opportunity to take additional electives for a nominal fee.   

You’ll also have access to a network of ASB alumni, faculty, and staff, as well as the vast network of MIT Sloan Affiliates*, to help you continue to grow and succeed.

*Access to an extensive network including fellow working professionals, resident students from across the globe, the ASB Alumni Network, and the MIT Sloan Affiliate Network.

Benefits of Pursuing an Executive MBA:

Student Testimonial

My experience at Asia School of Business has been transformative, offering a fresh perspective on business management through immersive, action-based learning experiences. This not only empowers me to apply these insights directly in my professional role, creating value for both my organization and myself, but also fosters invaluable connections with future leaders from diverse backgrounds.

Nadia Yusof, Malaysia MBAWP 2024

ASB’s MBA program has been a game-changer for me. It’s a perfect blend of academic rigor, real-world application, and challenging business scenarios. This life-changing experience has truly transformed and molded me into a better generalist, manager, and leader. The faculty and staff at ASB have been instrumental in my journey, providing essential guidance and coaching that have led me to achieve remarkable success in corporate leadership. But it’s not just about academics and career growth. Through ASB, I’ve had the privilege of making lifelong friends and building incredible business connections. Together, we are poised to support each other’s growth and success.

Narish Sukumaran, Malaysia MBAWP 2024

At the end of the day, what force of good are you creating I think that is one of the bigger responsibilities a business school should have. I really love that about ASB – they instill the mentality that you’re not just here to be good businesspeople, you’re here to be principled businesspeople.?

Matthew Roman, Philippines MBAWP 2022

Fee

RM180,000 (USD43,000)

The fees listed below apply to the 2025 EMBA intake and may be subject to change. The 16-month ASB MBA tuition fees are inclusive of:

16-Month Tuition

Tuition, course fees, and materials (including copyrighted materials and usage of textbooks)

Accommodation

Housing during MIT Immersion Program (Required), International Practicum (Required), Industry Trek (Optional)

Visa & Insurance

Student insurance and pass fees for international students. Travel insurance for all students during program-related travel

Required Deposits:

  • Enrollment deposit: RM 10,000 (to be paid upon acceptance of the offer, to secure a place in the class and applied toward your final tuition payment)
  • Housing security deposit: minimum of MYR2,600 housing security deposit for Room Type A or more, depending on the room selection, which must be paid before moving into the ASB residential facilities.

* The above program fees do not cover the cost of food and personal expenses or accommodation and expenses associated with the summer semester.

Get in Touch

Financial Aid

Financial Aid for Executive MBA

The EMBA program is an investment in your career. We see this investment as a partnership between you, your employer, and the Asia School of Business. While ASB does not directly provide financial aid, we offer support and guidance throughout your EMBA journey.

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Students usually use some combination of the following to finance their degree:

Financial support for pursuing an MBA may be available in the form of full or partial sponsorships from your employer. It is not uncommon for larger companies to fully sponsor their employees, often resulting in a bond agreement.

 

There are two main approaches to corporate sponsorship: 
– Top-Down Approach: This includes corporate development programs for additional education or high-potential employees being tapped by HR to apply. This is usually part of an established program with a predetermined budget and standard operating procedures (SOPs). 

 

Note: It’s worth noting that the ASB EMBA program is HRD Corp and STF Claimable by Malaysian employers sponsoring their employees.


– Bottom-Up Approach: In this approach, the employee finds the opportunity and brings it back to the employer for consideration. This may involve discussions with managers, HR, and other key stakeholders, and may take longer due to a lack of SOPs.

 

We recommend that you research the available programs offered by your company and determine the value an MBA will bring to both you and your company. You should also identify whose support you will need to pursue your studies.

 

If you have applied to the Executive MBA Program, we encourage you to consider undergoing a Corporate Sponsorship Consultation. This consultation will guide you through the conversation with your employer to secure time off work and/or financial support.

The ASB Executive MBA Fellowships are available to self-sponsored students who demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in the areas of academic qualification, work experience, professional and global diversity, leadership impact and achievements, etc. 

The fellowship is merit-based and applicants are encouraged to apply early in the admissions cycle (Round 2 deadline) for priority fellowship consideration. The ASB Executive MBA Fellowships are open to self-sponsored students. 

Important Notes:

  • Please note that the procedure that ASB has in place is such that if an applicant comes from a company that the school has a corporate scholarship/sponsorship partnership agreement with, he/she may not be considered for ASB merit-based fellowships. Such individuals should pursue the scholarship opportunity that exists with their employer for corporate sponsorship to the ASB Executive MBA program. If you have questions related to employer sponsorships, please contact the admissions team at emba.admissions@asb.edu.my.
  • The Admissions Committee will evaluate the application to the ASB Executive MBA program and the merit-based fellowship amount simultaneously. All decisions are at the discretion of the ASB Executive MBA Admissions Committee and are final.

You may wish to approach the following financial institution for financial aid towards your study at Asia School of Business. This applies to Malaysian citizens only.

  • AFFIN Education Financing – i*
  • EPF Withdrawal for Education (Account II)
  • For candidates over 35 years of age, ASB collaborates closely with OCBC to offer student loans to creditworthy applicants enrolled in our programs. International candidates are advised to explore student loan options in their home country.

*Asia School of Business is not responsible for the success of your loan application, nor is it involved in the approval process, as this is an external study loan.

FAQ

Here is a collection of frequently asked questions that can help you understand more about the program. If you have additional questions about the admissions process or the MBA program, please email emba.admissions@asb.edu.my.
What is the length of the Executive MBA (EMBA) program?

The duration for Executive MBA Program is approximately 16-month. Students are required to come to campus during residency weeks. EMBA students usually will have between 2 – 3 residency weeks every semester, with each residency week lasting around 1 week. All admitted students will be required to complete a Quantitative Prep course online prior to the start of the program.

What is the size of the EMBA program? How many students are there in the class?

The Executive MBA 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 Executive MBA Class of 2024:
  • Total Number of Students: 41
  • Average Work Experience: 15 years
  • Female: 51%
  • Malaysian: 88% / International: 12%
  • Number of Regions Represented: 5

Industries Represented:

  • Agribusiness
  • Automotive
  • Consulting
  • Energy/Utilities
  • Financial Government
  • Manufacturing
  • Real Estate
  • Technology
  • Telecom
  • Other
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 Alumni status mean?

The MIT-ASB Partnership provides students with an MIT Affiliate status, which includes the following benefits:

MIT Sloan Alumni Portal

  • Ability to create a profile within the MIT Sloan Alumni Portal and have access to the Sloan People Database (SPD).
  • Granted an Email Forwarding for Life (EFL) address: @sloan.mit.edu.
  • Ability to search and connect with other Affiliates.
  • Access to password-protected MIT Sloan Alumni webpages.

MIT Sloan Events

  • Access to events through the MIT Sloan events calendar.
  • Affiliate Alumni receive invitations to select events; based on location and conference organizer.

MIT Sloan Electronic Communications

  • Monthly MIT Sloan alumni e-newsletter (September – June).
  • Electronic copy of the Alumni Magazine in the Fall and Spring.
  • Monthly communications and invitations to participate in the virtual MIT Sloan Alumni Online Program.

MIT Sloan Clubs

  • Affiliate Alumni are able to attend club events and become members of an MIT Sloan Club in their region at the discretion of the MIT Sloan Club.
  • Membership and event attendance is determined based on individual club governance Customer Service.
  • Affiliate Alumni are supported by the Program Office at their school as well as the MIT Sloan Alumni Relations staff.
Will the courses I take at ASB allow me to earn credits toward an MIT degree?

Credits earned from the ASB courses cannot be applied towards an MIT degree. However, ASB MBA graduates have the opportunity to pursue the Master of Science in Management Studies (MSMS) degree at MIT, which is exclusively for graduates and alumni of MIT Sloan partner schools. Further details on the MSMS program may be found here.

Does ASB accept transfer credits from other EMBA programs?

Transfer credits are NOT accepted towards the completion of the ASB EMBA program.

Do students need to be employed while being enrolled in the EMBA Program?

Yes, EMBA requires all students in the program to be fully employed.

Does ASB offer a Full Time MBA Program?

Yes, ASB offers an MBA Program.

Is ASB Accredited?

ASB Executive MBA is working on getting 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.

ASB is an AACSB member 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 EMBA event?

To register for an event please check our Calendar of Events.

Who teaches EMBA classes at ASB?

ASB Executive MBA classes are taught both by visiting MIT faculty and ASB resident faculty.

 

Students also spend 2 weeks with an option to study for up to 3 weeks on the MIT campus taking classes with MIT faculty in Cambridge, MA.

In what format are EMBA classes delivered?

ASB Executive MBA 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 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.

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 Executive MBA curriculum as Learning in Action.

 

The Executive MBA 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 to senior leaders. EMBA students complete 2 practicums throughout their MBA studies, at least one of which is located outside of Malaysia.

What is ASB looking for in an Executive MBA 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 Executive MBA 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 of 8 years of work experience, however, most who apply to the Executive MBA have on average 12 years of work experience, often significantly more.

Does the Executive MBA only accept applicants with work experience?

Yes. The Executive MBA Program looks very closely at the quality of work experience. Students’ work experience can vary from a minimum of 8 years of work experience to more than 20 years. Executive MBAs have on average 12 years of work experience.

What is the minimum requirement to apply to the Executive MBA Program?

The Admissions Committee has a comprehensive process for 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 8 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 fulfill one of these requirements, you must provide proof of English language proficiency.
  • A minimum of 8 years of 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 equivalent to a bachelor’s 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 bachelor’s 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 strict guidelines, all decisions received from MQA are final and cannot be appealed.
 
Is the GMAT/GRE/EA Required for Executive MBA 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 Executive MBA application. However, if the Executive MBA 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 Executive MBA is a quantitatively rigorous program. The more you refresh your skills, the easier it will be for you during the program. All admitted Executive MBA 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.

Do applicants to ASB’s Executive MBA Program need to have work experience? 

Yes. Students who enter the Executive MBA program are required to have at least 8 years of work experience, but most have substantially more. 

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 my 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 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 progress within your chosen industry and that 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? 

We do not discriminate against any kind of work experience. 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 Executive MBA program. This is to ensure the success of candidates admitted into the program.  

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 Executive MBA Program.

How does the Admissions process work?

Application:

Applications are accepted through the online application which opens in January for the following year’s class intake. There are three admissions rounds with the following application deadlines:

 

  • Round 1: Friday, May 31, 2024
  • Round 2: Friday, Aug 30, 2024
  • Round 3: Thursday, Oct 31, 2024

 

Any candidate that applies after the final application deadline will be evaluated on a rolling admission based on seat availability.

Interviews:

Highly qualified candidates will be invited for an in-person or online 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 Round 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?

There is no application fee.

How does ASB evaluate the English proficiency of an applicant?

The Admissions Committee requires all applicants whose native language is not English OR applicants who have not received a university degree taught in English to provide proof of their English language proficiency by submitting one of the following valid test scores. The minimum required score is in brackets:

 

  • IELTS Academic (Overall band 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet-based (60), Essentials (Online) (8.5))
  • 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 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 a 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 Round 1 due to the processing timelines required for an international student visa.

Who reads the Executive 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 in 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 on campus in Kuala Lumpur or 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 Executive MBA 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 applications 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 must 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 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 grade-point average (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. 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 must submit a notarised English translation.

If my transcript and/or degree certificate is not in English, will it need to be translated?

We require a notarised English 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 notarised English translations of these as well.

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).

Where can I get more information on the GMAT and EA?

Applicants may visit MBA.com for more information on the GMAT exam, and gmac.com for EA exams, including sample questions and information on the test and registration.

What is the ASB school code for the GMAT or EA?

There is no program code required for the GMAT or EA.

Where can I get more information on the GRE?

Information on the GRE exam is available here.

What is the ASB school code for the GRE?

MBA GRE School code: 7568

Is there an exemption for the GMAT, GRE or EA?

While ASB strongly encourages applicants to apply with their GMAT, GRE or EA test results and ultimately reserves the right to require a test score from all applicants, the Admissions Committee does not require one of these test scores in order to apply.

 

Applicants who chose not to apply with a GMAT, GRE or EA test score are advised to show evidence of “quantitative competency” in their application. This may be, but is not limited to, strong quantitative academic credentials during university academics, evidence of quantitative competency in their work experience, evidence of post-graduate quantitative-based certification, etc.

 

Please note that applicants without a test score may be granted conditional admission – that they have to take one of the mentioned tests or complete a 100-hour Math Prep course before matriculation. Failure to complete the Math Prep course before arriving on campus can result in withdrawal of admission, or being asked to defer admissions to the following year.

Should I only include professional experience and goals in the cover letter and essays 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 EMBA 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 EMBA fits into that picture.

How is the letter of recommendation submitted?

We require one recommendation letter to be submitted online directly by your recommender prior to the application deadline and according to the instructions in the online application. We do not accept recommendation letters via email. For more information, please visit the “Application Instructions” tab.

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” tab for further details.

If a recommender is not an English speaker, can I translate the letter of recommendation?

If a recommender is not an English speaker, an official translation should be submitted with the name of the translator.

May an additional letter of recommendation be submitted beyond the one required letter of recommendation?

Additional letters of recommendation will not be accepted.

What is the admissions committee looking for in the letter of recommendation?

We prefer professional recommendations over peer, personal, or academic recommendations. We want to understand your accomplishments relative to your peers and also get representative examples of what it is like to work with you. ASB utilizes the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation form in its online application. It is suggested that the recommender answers all the questions presented in the form, and utilizes the space at the end to elaborate more thoroughly on the applicant’s qualities, describing specific recent examples of strengths. A generic letter of recommendation without examples is discouraged. More information about the GMAC Letter of Recommendation form may be found here.

What if I own my own business, or work for a family business? Who can I use as a recommender?

Recommenders should be people with whom you have a professional relationship and who can speak to your professional accomplishments. Ideally, a recommender should be someone who has been in a supervisory position to you. You may also ask a client, a mentor, or a co-founder to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. We suggest not using letters of recommendation from family members or friends.

What if my supervisor changes frequently? Should I submit a recommendation from a current supervisor or a past supervisor?

Recommenders should be people who know you best and can provide comments on your professional development within a relatively recent timeframe. This decision is ultimately up to you. In addition, you may want to consider using the optional essay question section to explain why your current employer/supervisor is not represented in your recommendations in order to clarify the situation in your application.

What if I cannot get a recommendation from my current employer or supervisor because I do not want to risk losing my job?

If you are unable to get a letter of recommendation from your current employer, you should seek someone else who can comment on your accomplishments in a professional setting. You may consider explaining why your current employer/supervisor is not represented in your application using the optional essay question section.

What does Career Development Office mean for the Executive MBA? 

Executive MBA 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 accelerate their careers with their current employer. Our current track record is that 60% of the Executive MBA students have either received a promotion or increased responsibilities while still studying in the program. 

 

Non-bonded scholars have full access to the MBA 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 a 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 Program which 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. 

 

Executive MBA is designed for career accelerators, entrepreneurs, and intrapreneurs. Certainly, a student can make a change, but change will be significantly easier with the Action Learning and Summer Associate Program curriculum of the MBA for Program. 

Are students required to complete an internship? 

No. The Executive MBA Program does not include internships as all of our students are required to be employed during the program. 

How are applicants evaluated for ASB fellowships? 

Fellowship will be awarded by the Admissions Committee based on the submitted fellowship essay and the overall merit of the application. ASB offers fellowship that covers up to 10% of the tuition fee, these opportunities may be limited and are extremely competitive. 

 

 

ASB’s policy is that if a prospective student is an employee of a corporate partner, he/she may not be eligible to apply for the ASB fellowship. Applicants are strongly encouraged to pursue the scholarship opportunity that exists with their employer for corporate sponsorship to the ASB EMBA program. 

 

Generally, the Admissions Committee aims to notify applicants of any scholarship award at the same time they are notified of the admissions decision. 

 

What other scholarships are available? 

More information on this is available on our Fees and Financing tab. 

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 makes 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-applicant’s 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 than before.