The 15 Best MBA Universities and Schools in Malaysia

By Mohamed Ashaari

Those who want to advance careers in the business world know that one of the best ways to do that is to obtain a degree in Master in Business Administration (MBA). Today, we’re looking at the schools with the best MBA in Malaysia.

We know that choosing a university can be quite a confusing task. Let’s take a look at some of the universities that offer a comprehensive MBA program that might just be what you’re looking for.

1.  University of Malaya

When looking for a university with a competitive MBA program that’s recognised internationally, rest assured that our very own University of Malaya has those.

Its Faculty of Business and Accountancy is the first public business school that received an international accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA) in 2007.

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) has also granted full accreditation of the MBA programme for a good five years.

You really can’t go wrong in enrolling at the University of Malaya as it ranks #70 this 2020 in the highly-respected Times Higher Education Asia University Ranking. On top of that, it also boasts of the FBA 4 PALMES awarded by EDUNIVERSAL.

Apart from its many awards, we like how the MBA program of the University of Malaya equips you with pieces of learning that go beyond lectures and textbook theories. When you enrol, you have to complete a good 46 units, which is a combination of core and elective courses.

But more than those, we also like that the University of Malaya has the offering of an MBA degree with a field of specialisation that ranges from Business Information System to Finance, International Business, Islamic Finance, and more.

So, you can take your pick of the offering that you best fits your career projection.

Overall, the offerings and course structure of the University of Malaya is one of the top universities we can consider for that coveted MBA degree. That’s why it’s in our list of schools with the best MBA in Malaysia.

2.  Universiti Sains Malaysia

If you live in Penang, you’re lucky to have the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) as it’s one of the best universities that offer a comprehensive and varied MBA program.

Established in 2009, the Graduate School of Business (GSB) has since offered a variety of Master of Business Administration programs that go with the changing times.

USM is way ahead of the game in MBA offerings compared to other regular universities. What we love most about USM is that it offers Online MBA, Dual-Degree MBA, Euro-Asian MBA-MSC Programme, and GSB Summer Programme.

Let’s take a look at the first three only as the last one concerns international students (outside Malaysia).

USM understands that most of us who want to pursue an MBA are busy professionals. So, to help you earn your degree, it offers online coursework with the help of APEX University’s e-MBA programme.

Similarly, the ASEAN Business Dual-Degree MBA Programme is another online programme you can enrol in to study general corporate courses and ASEAN Business Management in conjunction with Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB).

But the real winner for us among all the MBA programs offered by USM is the MBA-MSC Double Degree Program.

When you enrol in this program, you will experience face-to-face periods with lecturers from both the USM and Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow. In doing so, you will earn two degrees.

On the whole, the MBA programs that USM offers are not only unique, but they also address the needs of the changing times. That’s why USM is one of the schools to go to for the best MBA in Malaysia.

3.  Putra Business School

One of the qualifiers that we look into when choosing a university that offers an MBA degree is the accreditation it has from both local and international institutions. By that standard, the Putra Business School is not your typical business school in Malaysia.

First off, the Putra Business School boasts of accreditations from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Less than 5 percent of business schools in the globe have such accreditation.

We like that the Putra Business School offers 7 kinds of MBA courses, 3 of which are in collaboration with certain institutions. As such, we will focus only on its MBA Marketing, MBA Human Potential Management, and MBA Corporate Governance.

MBA Marketing is a course offering that is offered in conjunction with the Institute Marketing Malaysia (IMM). We like that this programme is modular in nature, which is perfect if you’re a top-level manager and want to enhance your marketing and leadership skills.

On the other hand, MBA Human Potential Management (HPM) is done in collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Human Resource Management (MIHRM). If you’re already in a top management position and still want to improve your human management skills, we suggest that you take this course.

The MBA Corporate Governance is the cream of the crop course, though. Aside from the degree you will earn, you will also become a graduate member of the Malaysian Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (MAICSA), where you can play your role in enhancing corporate management.

Overall, we like how Putra Business School designed its course offerings along with their delivery with a mind to the busy schedules of most professionals.

4.  Asia School of Business in collaboration with MIT SLOAN Management

When you see a university that is working in collaboration with a university such as MIT SLOAN, you know you’re looking at a very competitive and world-class MBA program.

We’re all praise for the MBA program that the ASB in collaboration with MIT SLOAN Management has for MBA aspirants. More than the usual coursework, it uses Action Learning at the core of its curriculum.

When you enrol in any of the MBA programs, you will experience learning that’s beyond theories. You will do site visits of your chosen industry to have first-hand experience in the dynamics of a given business.

But perhaps the most exciting part when you enrol in the MBA program of ASB is that you’ll get to spend a month in MIT SLOAN’s Cambridge campus for additional course requirements.

We’re all for how the ASB in collaboration with MIT SLOAN Management puts together theory, action, and fun in learning. It’s certainly one of the foremost universities with the best MBA in Malaysia.

5.  UCSI University

We like the strategies and pedagogy that the best MBA schools and universities offer. This is why UCSI University lands on a spot on our list.

UCSI University is one of the premier private universities known for having a comprehensive list of courses in the undergraduate and post-graduate levels. Its MBA Programs are also one-of-a-kind, for it uses the Blue Ocean Strategy.

When you enrol in the MBA Blue Ocean Strategy of UCSI, you will receive two awards — the MBA and a Blue Ocean Strategy Practitioner Certification.

With the Blue Ocean Strategy, you will learn not only from lectures but also from actual hands-on consulting projects with real-life clients while being guided by UCSI’s practitioners. As such, you get in-depth learning about SMEs, MNCs, start-ups, and public sectors, to name a few.

We like UCSI’s take on ensuring learning goes beyond the simple classroom experience.

6.  University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham is one of the foreign universities that have found a home in Malaysia. It’s also one of the schools with the best MBA in Malaysia.

The University of Nottingham may not have as many MBA programmes compared to the others, but this university deserves a spot on this list. Here’s why:

We like how the University of Nottingham offers full-time and part-time course schedules, which are ideal for those of us who work. Also, we like how manageable the course structure of the MBA programme is because it comes in modular format.

But more than that, we also like the Business Leaders Seminar Series where you can interact with industry leaders from different sectors to further your understanding and pieces of learning in the business world.

We suggest that you also take hold of its international study tours where you can visit global companies like Lenovo and Tencent and learn first-hand knowledge from top executives.

You’d also be glad to know that the University of Nottingham has modules available if you wish to study in its UK campus or other overseas partner institutions.

On the whole, we like the international approach that the University of Nottingham has for us Malaysians. As one of the top 100 MBA universities, the University of Nottingham will surely boost your business knowledge and career advancement.

7.  Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation

If you’re a manager, senior executive, or an entrepreneur, you might want to consider looking into the MBA program of the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation.

It offers the degree Master of Business Administration and another with a Euro-Asia Business component. Let’s check out the latter, as it covers a wider scope.

We think that if you want to expand globally, the Master of Business Administration (Euro-Asia Business) is the MBA course for you. It covers more than theories learned in books as it also presents you to real-world scenarios on how business is conducted in Europe and Asia.

The program also presents to you the political-economic issues in the Euro-Asian region to better equip you with the understanding of how to approach business in the two regions.

With such a degree, you can look to become a corporate strategy manager, global purchasing manager, and international operations manager, to name a few.

Whilst the MBA course offerings of the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation may be limited, they are comprehensive enough to equip you with the necessary tools for business and negotiations.

8.  Manipal GlobalNxt University

If you’re someone looking to work in the world of entrepreneurship or other related fields, then it’s best to brush up on your skills and expertise regarding matters that affect business. Luckily, GlobalNxt University offers both Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Business Administration with a focus on Banking and Finance.

At their core, both degrees aim to develop the leadership skills of those who are planning to take their Masters. With the latter more tailored for individuals who wish to work in the Banking Industry.

If you wish to pursue the MBA only, then it’s good to know that this program gives you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge about in vital industry functions. This includes accounting, finance and operations, as well as strategic marketing.

GlobalNxt University offers their students flexible learning, which means that you can go on your own pace. The average amount of time it takes students to earn their masters is within two years.

9.  Binary University

Next on our list is Binary University, one of the few universities that has accepted recognition internationally. Not only that, but all of their courses — especially their Masters in Business Administration — are 100% accredited by the MQA ensuring the quality of teaching.

If you choose Binary University to earn your MBA, you’ll be met with a handful of advantages, starting with lecturers with extensive backgrounds on Business Administration. These lecturers alongside the curriculum will prepare you to become a hybrid manager for your chosen industries — something that no other university has taught its students before.

You’ll deepen your knowledge and hone your skills in problem-solving, analytical leadership and entrepreneurial skills — allowing you to easily climb the ranks once you have completed Binary University’s program.

Another great thing about Binary University is that it welcomes students from all over the world, allowing quality education regardless of the place one comes from.

10.  Perdana University

Our next choice on the list is Perdana Univerisity’s school of business. The PUScB, as the school is also referred as, aspires to provide a MBA program that results in participants who are well equipped with every business management skill they need in order to prosper in the world of business.

The reason why we like PUScB’s curriculum is because it not only focuses on one industry, but three. These are General Management, Public Health Management, and Health Care and Hospital Management.

While each program is unique, they all share a commonality in that students will be guided by experts in their chosen industry — professionals who have the knowledge and skill set needed in order to better prepare and train the students for their careers in the future.

11. Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Kampar Campus

Established on the 13th of August 2002, University Tunku Abdul Rahman has been teaching their students with great excellence in the field of education and research. This university has two campuses – one in Kampar Perak and the other one is in Kajang Selangor.

Guided by its six educational pillars – Universiti Tunku Adbul Rahman was able to earn a reputation as one of the fastest rising private education institutions in Malaysia. To know more about the programs they offer and the campuses, you may visit their website at https://www.utar.edu.my/.

12. Mantissa College

Mantissa College is the first college status institution in Malaysia offering the complete series of Business Programme. The programme offered includes Doctorate-DBA, Master-MBA, Degree-BBA, Diploma-DiBA, and Certificate-CBS.

They strive to be a specialised business school where all our programmes offered are fully accredited by the MQA-Malaysia Qualifications Agency, an auxiliary body responsible for the quality and standards.

13. Raffles University

Raffles University (RU) is also the University of the Future that offers Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, Design, Interior, Business and Psychology programmes. They are at the cutting edge of higher education in both teaching and learning and business practices. Raffles University innovative and stimulating programmes promote – Doing while Learning and Learning while Doing.

Advance Career with an MBA programme at Raffles University.

Raffles University offers both full-time (1.5 years) and part-time (2-4 years) MBA programme. The Raffles MBA programme is fully accredited by Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA). The Raffles MBA programme is specially designed to be weekday evening classes. In this way, the students will attend the classes after working hours without interfering with their weekend breaks. Besides, the students will choose their preferred focus in either Marketing / Management / Finance. “RU” planning to be the next MBA holder? Visit https://raffles-university.edu.my/master-of-business-administration/ or contact
them for further information.

14. Asia Metropolitan University

Asia Metropolitan University is a full-fledged university that offers a wide range of programmes that bears testimony to their impressive record within the Malaysian private higher education industry.

What people like about AMU is that they really provide a comprehensive educational pathway starting from foundation and diploma studies for post-secondary school certificate holders who can then move on to pursuing undergraduate studies.

Another factor why people prefer AMU is its broad range of master’s and doctoral degree programmes.

What’s unique about them is that they are focused on producing trained, qualified, competent graduates for domestic and international markets in health sciences and various other disciplines.

15. Strathclyde MBA Malaysia

Strathclyde MBA Malaysia was founded in 199 by a group of experienced management professionals. They are one of the most trusted education provider located in the Klang Valley.

What’s unique about them is they  represent the University of Strathclyde and University of Stirling for the recruitment of students in Malaysia for all their full-time undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Scotland, United Kingdom.

Strathclyde MBA was available locally on a part-time basis from 1989 and, unlike other universities, more than 1000 students have already graduated. As of the present, they have about 250 MBA students  at the various stages of their respected programmes.

With Strathclyde MBA Malaysia, you will definitely be equipped with business management skills that may help your career grow further. This will certainly open a number doors in terms of career progression and opportunities for you.

At any rate, with an MBA degree, you get to expand not just your knowledge about the business world but also your connections or network. Any of the schools above can give you the stepping stone you need to go higher in your career.

Have you considered any of these schools already? Which of them offers the best MBA in Malaysia, in your opinion? Let us know!