MBA in Malaysia, a preferred choice of MBA abroad aspirants; High ROI remains motivating factor

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Amit Agnihotri
Columnist & Author, MBAUniverse.com
Updated on May 21, 2015
Principal reason contributing to rise of Malaysia as one of the favourite MBA abroad hot-spots is the Malaysian government`s investment in higher education
UNESCO ranked Malaysia as the 11th most preferred study destination in the world, its low cost of living, affordable program fees and easy visa process play major role in this rise

Malaysia is often voted as one of the best places to live and study. Increasing number of students from India are venturing into the small country for their MBA pursuit as the nation offers a diverse environment. The country houses B schools accredited by AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. Low cost of education combined with world class education is what Malaysia has to offer to MBA abroad aspirants.

In the last few years, over 4000 international students including MBA abroad aspirants from almost 100 countries pursued higher studies including MBA in Malaysia. Many top rated Global Universities including University of Nottingham, United Kingdom (UK) have established their well equipped B schools in Malaysia. Business schools in Malaysia provide career focused education which is in league with today’s global market.

Malaysia is a beautiful scenic country in Southeast Asia having 13 states. It is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country with most people being Malay and also Indians and Chinese consistently attract MBA abroad aspirants. A top holiday destination, the country is filled with ancient rainforests, beaches and national parks.

Malaysia is not only a top tourist holiday destination but is also emerging out to be a very popular study destination especially for those aiming to pursue MBA abroad with good ROI. UNESCO ranked Malaysia as the 11th most preferred study destination in the world. Low cost of living, affordable program fees and easy visa process play major role in this rise and attract more MBA abroad aspirants.

Malaysia sees great investment in higher education

The principal reason contributing to rise of Malaysia as one of the favourite MBA abroad hot-spots is the Malaysian government’s investment in higher education. Malaysia’s rise as a popular MBA abroad destination can be also be seen from some of the distinguishing features the country has to make its MBA study preferred one

• Internationally recognized degree

• Low cost of living and tuition fees

• Work while you study

• Easy visa and immigration rules

• Safe, comfortable and a friendly place

• Multicultural and diverse environment

Internationally Recognized MBA

With top universities like MIT-USA, Monash in Australia and Nottingham in UK expanding their branches in Malaysia, MBA abroad aspirants and local students are reaping the benefits of obtaining a foreign degree from a top B-School in Malaysia itself.

Low cost of education & living

The biggest reason of Malaysia’s rise as one of the popular destination amongst Indian students is the low cost of education. Business schools in Malaysia offer quality education in fees as low as Rs. 8 lakhs for the entire program and the cost of living is approximately Rs. 2-3 lakhs annually. More MBA abroad aspirants from India no wonder prefer Malaysia as their MBA study destination.

Accommodation is an important factor to check when you decide to pursue MBA abroad at some place new to study and live. Most universities provide on-campus accommodation which may be within the campus or within walking distance from campus facilities.  Various other accommodation options like privately-owned apartments, individual rooms in houses are available. The international student offices of the universities provide detailed information on such matters and initiate the contact between the student and the accommodating host.

Cost of living in Malaysia is budget friendly. Living cost may range from RM10, 000 to RM20, 000 (USD 3500-USD4000) per year. This includes food, accommodation and transport.

Easy immigration process

Candidates coming to make their MBA abroad dream true from India and any other place do not have to go through stringent visa and immigration rules if they opt for Malaysia.  Students are also allowed to work while study to support their living in Malaysia.

Safe and peaceful

Malaysia is one of the safest countries in the world with a relatively low crime rate. Since it is politically stable, the country is quite peaceful too. As a good environment is important for to explore MBA abroad admission opportunities and to pursue MBA abroad study, Malaysia offers the ultimate comfortable environment for students. Weather conditions also make Malaysia an apt place for students.

High quality of life

Malaysians lead a high quality life; one reason for this is because it is a newly industrialized nation. The country has great infrastructures, advanced technology, best expressway network in Southeast Asia and universities boasts of world –class campus and facilities amongst others. The country has become an ideal MBA abroad study destination in Asia.

Top travel destination

Malaysia is one of the leading tourist destinations. The country is home to the famous twin towers in Kuala Lumpur and the world’s largest single cave chamber in Gungung Mulu National Park amongst other world famous destinations.

Multi-cultural, Multi-ethnic and multi-language country

Malaysia is home to different culture having ethnic and traditional values. Moreover, a wide number of languages are used for daily communications including Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Cantonese, and Mandarin. MBA abroad aspirants from India find Malaysia homely enough to live in.  Malay and English are the official languages. This exposure to a multi-racial country is deemed valuable to any student coming from abroad.

Top B-schools in Malaysia

Asia School of Business: Collaborates with MIT Sloan School of Management

The Asia School of Business (ASB) is the newest MIT Sloan collaboration with the first MBA batch to be inaugurated in September, 2016. The MBA from ASB-MIT is designed to meet the market needs of Malaysia, ASEAN, South Asia, China and parts of Middle-East and Africa. A good MBA abroad destination, ASB students will get the opportunity to travel to USA for 6 weeks to attend MIT Sloan courses.

Faculty of Business & Accountancy-University of Malaya

Accredited by AACSB and AMBA and located in the University of Malay’s main campus at Kuala Lumpur, the MBA from the University of Malaya is a rigorous, extensive and innovative. University of Malaya another preferred destination for MBA abroad aspirants, is the oldest and most prestigious universities in Malaysia.

Graduate School of Business- Universiti Sains Malaysia
Universiti Sains or University of Sciences, Malaysia is one of the oldest universities in Malaysia. USM is one of the few Malaysian universities to use the term ‘school’ instead of ‘faculty’ that is used generally by other universities. MBA program at USM Graduate School of Business was established in 1992 and in a very short span of time has gained reputation of excellence and has become a good MBA abroad destination.

International Business School-Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

The International Business School (IBS) was established in the year 1997 as a graduate management school to offer management and economic courses. It was initially formed as a centre of excellence at Universiti Teknologi (University of Technology) and gradually excelled in post graduate management education with a high reputation for its technology management program.

Nottingham University Business School (NUBS) -Malaysia Campus

Accredited by EQUIS, the Malaysian wing of the University of Nottingham, UK, the NUBS Malaysia is one of the leading business education providers in the world. The NUBS MBA is delivered with the sole objective of educating individuals as managers and business specialists, and thus to improve the quality of management as a career. The B school has become a much sought after MBA abroad destination in Asia.

Putra Business School –University of Putra

One of the most sought after MBA abroad destinations, Putra Business School of the University of Putra is the first business school in Malaysia to be accredited by the AACSB. Putra Business School was formerly the Graduate School of Management of the University of Putra. PBS’s fundamental approach to the purpose of business is to help benefit the society by keeping human values at the forefront.  

Snapshot: MBA Admission requirements and fee structure

Business Schools

Duration

Admission requirements

Fee Structure

Asia School of Business-MIT Sloan

2 years

•  A minimum 2 years work exp.
•   No minimum GMAT/GRE
•   Completion of undergraduate degree

USD 40,000 per year
(Rs.26 lakhs)

Putra Business School

1 year

•   A minimum GMAT of 550 required
Or
•   Adequate work experience
•   Completion of undergraduate degree

RM 43,086
(Rs.8 lakhs)

Nottingham Business School

1 year

•   A  min 3 year work experience
•   Bachelor’s degree
•   No min GMAT

RM60,500
(Rs.11 lakhs)

University of Malaya – FBA

2 years

•  Bachelor’s degree
•   Min 3 years work experience
•   No min GMAT

RM 49,163
(Rs.9 lakhs)

International Business School-Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

1 (1/2) years

•   Min 2 years work experience
•   Bachelor’s degree
•   No min GMAT

RM30,000
(Rs.6 lakhs)

 
Funding your MBA in Malaysia

One of the most critical issues to decide on MBA abroad destinations is how to arrange funds to accomplish the MBA abroad study project. Malaysia offers good options as the Scholarships and financial aids are available for international students admitted to the MBA programs in Malaysia. It also depends on the university. Scholarships are granted generally on the basis of merit – this may be in the form of academic records, professional experience and any other significant achievements. Teaching assistantships are also available in some colleges.

The Malaysian government has also been offering several scholarships to students coming to pursue their MBA abroad dream in Malaysia. Applicants must have good academic records to be granted such funds. The two popular Malaysian government schemes are: Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan and the MTCP Plan

Career Opportunities after MBA in Malaysia

Malaysia is a land of opportunities. It is a newly industrialized nation with great infrastructures and advanced technology. Malaysia has aggressively advanced in fields of telecommunications, online information services, telemedicine, e-commerce, digital broadcasting among other booming sectors. The Malaysian government has also been putting emphasis on Research and Development and Commercialization.

The economy of Malaysia is counted as the third largest in Southeast Asia and 28th largest in the world. Manufacturing, banking and financial sectors have the largest presence in the country.

Ample opportunities are available for MBA graduates in Malaysia and anywhere in Asia due to the massive economic growth especially in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. The Malaysian government too has launched series of schemes to make Malaysia a global power-house. The level of competition of job is known to be tough in Malaysia. A student pursuing MBA abroad from Malaysia generally aims to venture anywhere in Asia.

According to a report by the World Bank in June 2013, Malaysia was ranked as the 6th best place in the world to do business due to its easy and business friendly environment. Some major companies in Malaysia recruiting MBA graduates are Dell, Intel, Unilever, Malaysia Airlines and many more. Candidates coming to Malaysia with the aim to have high ROI placement after completing MBA abroad from the B school in Malaysia get suitable career opportunities in Malaysia and in other countries of Asia.

MBA classes in Malaysia generally start from September of every year. Admission portals are open throughout the year normally and admissions are done on a rolling basis.

To know more about an MBA in Malaysia, please post your queries at the forum with MBAUniverse.com

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