Asia Top Full Time MBA Programs

The Asiaweek rankings, which evaluated business schools based on academic reputation, faculty strength, research output, and the overall quality of their MBA programs, shed light on the schools that were at the forefront of preparing business leaders to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

At the top of the list in the Asiaweek 2000 rankings was the Melbourne Business School (MBS), a prestigious institution based in Australia. MBS’s placement at the top of the list was a reflection of its long-standing reputation for academic excellence and its focus on developing globally competitive business leaders. Founded in 1965, Melbourne Business School had become an important player in the global business education landscape by offering a world-class MBA program that combined rigorous academic training with practical, real-world experience. The school’s faculty was renowned for its expertise in key business disciplines such as finance, marketing, and strategy, and the curriculum was designed to equip students with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the global economy.

MBS’s MBA program was particularly known for its strong emphasis on leadership development, with a focus on preparing students to take on senior management roles. The school’s proximity to Melbourne, one of Australia’s key financial and cultural hubs, offered students valuable access to both multinational corporations and a vibrant local business community. MBS also stood out for its international outlook, attracting students from a variety of countries and providing opportunities for global exposure through exchange programs and partnerships with top business schools around the world. With a strong alumni network and high placement rates, Melbourne Business School was well-positioned to continue its leadership role in Asia’s growing business education market.

In second place was the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad), one of the most prestigious and renowned business schools in India and the world. IIM Ahmedabad’s MBA program was widely regarded as the gold standard of business education in India, and its placement in the top tier of the Asiaweek 2000 rankings reinforced its position as a global leader in management education. Established in 1961, IIM Ahmedabad had quickly built a reputation for its rigorous academic approach, world-class faculty, and strong ties to the Indian business community. The school’s focus on case-based learning, practical application of management theories, and its emphasis on leadership development were key factors that contributed to its outstanding reputation.

IIM Ahmedabad’s MBA program attracted students from across India and around the world, thanks in part to its innovative curriculum and focus on entrepreneurship, strategy, and leadership. The school was particularly known for producing graduates who went on to become successful entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and policymakers. The school’s close relationships with leading Indian and multinational corporations provided students with valuable networking opportunities and access to internships and post-graduation jobs. IIM Ahmedabad’s alumni network was extensive, with graduates holding influential positions in both the private and public sectors.

The Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in the Philippines ranked third in the Asiaweek 2000 rankings, reflecting its strong position as a leading business school in Southeast Asia. AIM had been established in 1968 to provide world-class management education to the region’s business leaders. Its MBA program was known for its focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation, with a particular emphasis on the needs of business leaders in Asia. AIM’s MBA students came from a wide range of countries and industries, contributing to a dynamic learning environment that combined theoretical knowledge with real-world experience.

AIM’s MBA program also offered a unique international perspective, with opportunities for students to engage in global exchanges and internships at top business schools and corporations around the world. Its location in Manila, a major business and financial center in Southeast Asia, provided students with easy access to the region’s rapidly growing markets. AIM’s strong ties to the Philippine business community, as well as its international partnerships, gave its graduates a competitive edge when it came to career opportunities.

Ranked fourth in the Asiaweek 2000 rankings was the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand, an institution known for its focus on engineering, technology, and business management. AIT had earned a strong reputation for its MBA program, which combined technical knowledge with business expertise. The school’s MBA program was designed for professionals who wanted to combine technical skills with a solid foundation in management. AIT’s emphasis on sustainable development, innovation, and entrepreneurship was particularly attractive to students interested in working in the rapidly evolving technology sector.

AIT’s international outlook was reflected in its diverse student body, with students coming from all over Asia and beyond. The school’s location in Bangkok, a key hub for business and technology in Southeast Asia, allowed students to gain access to a wide range of industries and companies, both local and multinational. AIT also offered a range of executive education programs designed for senior managers, providing additional opportunities for professional development.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) was ranked fifth in the Asiaweek 2000 rankings, reflecting its status as one of Asia’s top business schools. NUS had long been recognized for its academic excellence, and its MBA program was widely regarded as one of the best in the region. NUS’s focus on developing leaders who could succeed in the global business environment was a key factor behind its strong performance in the rankings. The school’s MBA program was known for its comprehensive curriculum, which included a strong emphasis on strategy, marketing, finance, and leadership. The diverse student body and the school’s international faculty contributed to a global learning environment that prepared graduates to work in multinational corporations and international markets.

NUS’s location in Singapore, one of Asia’s leading financial and business centers, provided students with unparalleled access to a wide range of industries and companies. The school’s strong ties to both the private and public sectors, as well as its extensive alumni network, helped ensure that NUS graduates had excellent career prospects both in Singapore and abroad.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) was ranked sixth in the Asiaweek 2000 rankings, reflecting its growing influence as a leading business school in Asia. CUHK had established itself as one of Hong Kong’s top institutions, and its MBA program was known for its strong focus on international business and management. The school’s faculty was composed of internationally recognized experts in business and management, and its curriculum was designed to prepare students for leadership roles in a globalized business world. CUHK’s location in Hong Kong, one of the world’s most dynamic and vibrant financial centers, provided students with access to a wide range of industries, from banking and finance to technology and retail.

Ranked seventh was the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), which had earned a strong reputation for its focus on technology and innovation in business. KAIST’s MBA program was designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead in the rapidly changing world of technology and innovation. The school’s strong ties to the technology sector, as well as its focus on entrepreneurship and research, made it an attractive option for students interested in pursuing careers in tech-driven industries.

In eighth place was Macquarie Graduate School of Management (MGSM) in Australia, a well-regarded business school known for its focus on developing practical leadership skills. Macquarie’s MBA program was known for its flexibility and its emphasis on experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships and consulting projects.

Nanyang Business School (NBS) in Singapore ranked ninth in the Asiaweek 2000 rankings, reinforcing its position as one of the top business schools in the region. NBS was known for its international focus and strong ties to the business community in Southeast Asia, and its MBA program attracted students from all over the world.

Finally, the Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration in Thailand secured the tenth position, reflecting its reputation for academic rigor and its focus on producing business leaders with a strong understanding of global business dynamics.

Top 20 Full Time MBA Programs by Asiaweek:

1- Melbourne B School;
2- Indian Inst of Mgt, Ahmedabad;
3- Asian Inst of Mght, Philippines;
4- Asian Inst of Tech, Thailand;
5- Nat U of Singapore;
6- Chinese U of Hong Komg;
7- Korea Adv Inst of Sci and Tech;
8- Macquarie;
9- Nanyang;
10- Sasin;
11- Monash Mt Eliza;
12- IIM, Bangalore;
13- Int U, Japan;
14- China Europe Int B School;
15- Cheng-chi;
16- Waseda;
17- Queensland U of Tech;
18- Lahore U;
19- U of Queensland;
20- Seoul U

Source: Asiaweek 2000