# Asia School of Business

The Asia School of Business (ASB) is a graduate business school based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ASB was established in 2015 through a partnership between the MIT Sloan School of Management and Bank Negara Malaysia, the Central Bank of Malaysia. It offers a range of programs, including a 12-month Master of Business Administration (MBA), a 16-month Executive MBA (EMBA), and a 12-month Master in Central Banking (MCB).
ASB integrates MIT Sloan’s academic rigor with insights into the challenges and opportunities of emerging markets. Its dual-campus format allows students to study at ASB’s campus in Kuala Lumpur and MIT Sloan’s campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The curriculum is delivered by MIT Sloan faculty and resident ASB professors, many of whom hold positions as MIT Sloan International Faculty Fellows.
Graduates of ASB are awarded Affiliate Alumni status with MIT Sloan, providing access to its global network of resources and connections. The school emphasizes experiential learning and leadership development, preparing students to address complex global challenges and opportunities in dynamic economies.

## History

The Asia School of Business was co-founded in 2015 by Zeti Akhtar Aziz, then Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, and Professor Richard Schmalensee, Dean Emeritus of the MIT Sloan School of Management. The institution began operations in 2016, offering a full-time MBA program. The inaugural cohort, known as the Class of 2018, commenced their studies in the fall of 2016, with the first graduation ceremony held in the spring of 2018.
In 2019, ASB introduced the MBA for Working Professionals, a 22-month modular program designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals. This program was later rebranded as the Executive MBA (EMBA) to better reflect its structure and target audience.
Significant developments occurred in 2020, including the merger of ASB with The Iclif Leadership and Governance Centre, forming the ASB Iclif Executive Education Center (Iclif) to enhance its executive education offerings. That same year, the school relocated to its newly built 30-acre campus in Kuala Lumpur, designed to support innovative teaching and foster leadership development.
ASB aims to serve as a global hub for knowledge and learning, integrating MIT Sloan’s academic framework with regional expertise from Asia and emerging markets. The school’s research and partnerships focus on areas such as emerging markets, business strategy, technology, and sustainability. In 2020, ASB was ranked as Malaysia's top economic research institution by IDEAS, reflecting its impact on research and thought leadership.

## Degree Programs and Curriculum

The Asia School of Business offers a variety of graduate programs designed to blend rigorous academics with practical, real-world applications, particularly in the context of emerging markets.
Master of Business Administration (MBA):
ASB’s 12-month full-time MBA program provides a comprehensive curriculum covering core business disciplines and leadership development. A key component is Action Learning, where students work on real-world projects across industries in Asia, applying classroom knowledge to solve practical challenges.
Executive MBA (EMBA):
The 16-month EMBA program caters to working professionals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities while continuing their careers. Offered in a modular format, it combines online and in-person sessions, integrating strategic management concepts with applications relevant to Asian markets.
Master in Central Banking (MCB):
The 12-month MCB program is tailored for professionals in the central banking sector, focusing on monetary policy, financial stability, and regulatory frameworks. It includes a six-week immersion at the MIT Sloan campus, providing exposure to global financial institutions and expert insights from organizations like the International Monetary Fund and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Action Learning:
Action Learning is a cornerstone of ASB’s academic model, emphasizing the integration of theory and practice. Students work in diverse teams on projects within various industries across Asia, addressing real business challenges. This approach fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to navigate complex business environments.

## Non-Degree Programs and Executive Education

The Asia School of Business (ASB) offers a comprehensive suite of non-degree programs and executive education designed to enhance professional skills and leadership capabilities across various industries. These programs cater to individuals and organizations seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern business environment.
Open Enrollment Programs:
ASB provides a diverse array of open enrollment programs focusing on areas such as leadership, corporate governance, technology, and sustainability.
Custom Programs for Corporations:
ASB collaborates with organizations to develop tailored programs addressing specific challenges and strategic goals. These programs aim to upskill employees and cultivate future-ready leaders aligned with organizational objectives.
Agile Continuous Education (ACE):
ASB’s Agile Continuous Education (ACE) initiative offers hybrid, modular courses designed to support lifelong learning and professional development. These courses are stackable, enabling learners to earn certificates that can be combined into micro-credentials or converted into academic credits. ACE incorporates real-world case studies, simulations, and projects to ensure practical and durable learning, preparing professionals to adapt to the demands of rapidly evolving industries.

## Research Initiatives and Centers

The Asia School of Business is dedicated to advancing research in sustainability, technology, and economic resilience, with a focus on emerging markets. The ASB Research Office oversees these efforts, fostering collaboration among scholars, industry leaders, and policymakers through its specialized research centers.
Research Centers:
ASEAN Research Center (ARC): Focused on issues such as economic development, financial inclusion, and social equity in Southeast Asia. The center produces research, conferences, and publications to support sustainable growth across ASEAN economies.
Center for Technology, Strategy & Sustainability (CTSS): Explores the intersection of digital transformation, strategic management, and sustainability. It provides insights into technological advancements and environmental stewardship.
Center for Sustainable Smallholders (CSS): Supports smallholder farmers by promoting sustainable practices and improving market access, addressing challenges like resource efficiency and rural development.
Central Banking Research Center (CBRC): Specializes in monetary policy, financial regulation, and central banking practices, collaborating with policymakers and academics on financial stability and economic resilience.
ASB disseminates its research findings through publications, such as the ASB Research Book 2024, and events like the ASB-UNHCR Conference on Refugee Studies, reflecting its commitment to addressing global challenges.

## Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC)

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC), operating under the brand ASBhive, is the Asia School of Business’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Based in Kuala Lumpur, the IEC supports the development of new ventures and fosters an entrepreneurial mindset through programs and initiatives.
Key offerings include the Growth Accelerator Programme, which helps businesses scale, and the Pre-Incubator Program, designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs. The IEC also organizes events such as Pitch@ASB, which provides startups with opportunities to refine their pitches and connect with investors.
Through its initiatives, the IEC contributes to Malaysia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by fostering innovation, building networks, and nurturing future business leaders.

## Campus

The Asia School of Business (ASB) campus is located on a 30-acre plot of land in Kuala Lumpur, adjacent to the headquarters of Bank Negara Malaysia. Strategically positioned near the city’s central business district, the campus integrates academic, residential, and professional facilities.
Campus Features
The campus includes a comprehensive academic building and a residential complex. The academic building hosts ASB’s MBA and Master in Central Banking programs, executive education courses, and various events. The residential complex can house up to 700 individuals, including full-time students, visiting faculty, and participants in short-term programs. Combined, the campus has the capacity to accommodate more than 1,200 students, faculty, and staff.
Academic Building
The academic building spans six levels, each designed to support specific activities:
Ground Level (Level G) and Level 1: These public areas include event spaces, common areas, and administrative offices.
Levels 2 and 3: Focused on learning and education, these floors contain classrooms, research centers, study spaces, and a library.
Levels 4 and 5: Dedicated to faculty collaboration and innovation, these levels include offices and spaces for academic research and scholarship.
The campus is designed to promote interaction and collaboration, reflecting ASB’s commitment to creating an engaging and inclusive academic environment.