Economist Intelligence Unit's Top Asian MBA
In 2007, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) published its highly anticipated rankings of the world’s top MBA programs, offering a comprehensive assessment of business schools based on various critical factors such as alumni satisfaction, career opportunities, faculty quality, and the overall educational experience. Within these global rankings, the Asian region demonstrated a strong presence, with a number of prestigious business schools making significant strides on the world stage. The EIU rankings reflected both the increasing global competitiveness of Asian institutions and the growing recognition of Asia as a major hub for business education. Among the top MBA programs in Asia for 2007, several institutions stood out for their academic excellence and their contributions to shaping the next generation of global business leaders. These included INSEAD, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the University of Hong Kong (HKU), Nanyang Business School, and the International University of Japan.
At the forefront of the Asian MBA programs in 2007 was INSEAD, which was ranked 17th in the world. While INSEAD is technically an international institution with campuses in both Europe and Asia, its Singapore campus had rapidly gained a global reputation as one of the world’s most prestigious MBA programs. INSEAD's position at the top of the Asian rankings in 2007 reflected its exceptional blend of global focus, academic rigor, and diverse student body. Founded in 1957, INSEAD had long been recognized as a leader in international business education, and its MBA program was particularly noted for its global approach to management education. The program’s international faculty, diverse student body representing dozens of countries, and the school’s strong ties to industries across Europe, Asia, and beyond, set it apart from many other business schools.
INSEAD’s 17th-place world ranking in 2007 was bolstered by its global perspective, the breadth of its curriculum, and its impressive network of alumni. With campuses in France, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi, INSEAD was uniquely positioned to offer students access to both Western and Asian business environments. The school’s reputation for producing globally-minded, highly adaptable business leaders who are equipped to manage the complexities of multinational corporations was key to its high ranking. INSEAD’s curriculum, which focused heavily on cross-cultural management and international business strategy, also played a significant role in its success. As companies increasingly sought leaders who could navigate the intricacies of global markets, INSEAD’s MBA program was seen as an ideal incubator for such talent, providing students with the tools and networks necessary to thrive in an interconnected world.
Following INSEAD, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) was ranked 20th in the world, securing the second spot in Asia in the 2007 rankings. HKUST has long been considered one of Asia’s top business schools, and its 2007 ranking was a reflection of the growing recognition of Hong Kong as an international business hub. Established in 1991, HKUST’s MBA program quickly gained a reputation for its strong focus on finance, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Hong Kong’s position as a gateway between East and West, coupled with HKUST’s robust academic and corporate partnerships, provided students with valuable exposure to both Asian and global markets.
The success of HKUST’s MBA program was also tied to its emphasis on preparing students for leadership roles in an increasingly complex business world. The school offered a rigorous curriculum that combined theoretical foundations with practical, hands-on experience, especially in areas such as financial services, international business, and technology management. HKUST's connections to the corporate world, particularly in Hong Kong and mainland China, provided students with unique opportunities for internships and post-graduation employment, which further enhanced the value of its MBA program. In 2007, HKUST’s MBA program had already built a strong reputation for producing graduates who were highly sought after by employers, particularly in Asia’s fast-growing business sectors.
Just behind HKUST was the University of Hong Kong (HKU), ranked 37th in the world. While HKU had been a dominant force in higher education in Hong Kong for many years, its MBA program, which was relatively young compared to other global business schools, was increasingly being recognized for its excellence in management education. Established in 1991, the MBA program at HKU combined a rigorous academic approach with an emphasis on leadership development and global business awareness. As Hong Kong’s oldest university, HKU leveraged its deep roots in the city’s economic and financial infrastructure to offer students unparalleled access to industry leaders and a wealth of networking opportunities.
In terms of its curriculum, HKU’s MBA program stood out for its flexibility and its emphasis on the integration of Asian and global business perspectives. It sought to develop graduates who were not only skilled in traditional business disciplines such as marketing, finance, and operations but also capable of navigating the unique challenges and opportunities in the Asian business environment. HKU also emphasized leadership and innovation, preparing students for careers in a wide range of industries, from finance to technology and entrepreneurship. While the program was ranked lower than INSEAD and HKUST in the global rankings, its strong regional reputation and growing international recognition made it one of the top choices for students seeking to build careers in Asia.
Ranked 72nd in the world, Nanyang Business School in Singapore represented a strong presence for Southeast Asia in the 2007 rankings. Nanyang, which is part of Nanyang Technological University, had a well-established reputation for its high-quality MBA program that combined academic rigor with a focus on practical, real-world business issues. Founded in 1956, Nanyang Business School is one of the leading business schools in Asia, offering an MBA program that was particularly well-regarded for its emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, and global business practices. Singapore’s strategic location as a financial and technological hub made Nanyang Business School an attractive option for students looking to gain exposure to Asia’s rapidly developing markets.
In 2007, Nanyang’s MBA program was recognized for its strong focus on preparing students for leadership roles in a dynamic global economy. The curriculum combined core courses with a wide range of electives that allowed students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals. Nanyang’s MBA program also placed a strong emphasis on experiential learning, including internships and opportunities for global exposure. The school’s ties to industries in Singapore and across Southeast Asia provided students with valuable connections and a strong alumni network, which greatly enhanced their career prospects. Despite being ranked lower than some of its regional counterparts in the global rankings, Nanyang Business School’s MBA program was increasingly being recognized as one of the top options for students seeking to build careers in Asia.
Finally, the International University of Japan (IUJ), ranked 77th in the world, rounded out the list of top Asian MBA programs in the 2007 Economist Intelligence Unit rankings. Although smaller and less internationally well-known than some of the other institutions listed, IUJ has made significant contributions to graduate education in Asia. Established in 1988, the university offers an MBA program that emphasizes international business education and cross-cultural understanding. Located in Niigata, Japan, IUJ’s MBA program attracts students from across Asia and around the world, particularly those looking to gain a deep understanding of Japanese business practices and the Asian business environment.
IUJ’s relatively low ranking in the 2007 EIU rankings was offset by its unique value proposition for students interested in pursuing careers in Japan or other parts of Asia. The university’s small size and intimate class environment fostered close interactions between students and faculty, which allowed for a highly personalized learning experience. Despite its lower global ranking, IUJ’s MBA program remained an important player in the Asian educational landscape, offering strong career opportunities for its graduates, particularly in the Japanese market.
Top Asian MBA program by Economist Intelligence Unit's Rankings
(Asia Rank, Name, World Rank)
(Asia Rank, Name, World Rank)
- Insead - 17
- HKUST - 20
- HKU - 37
- Nanyang Business School - 72
- International University of Japan - 77
- CEIBS - 90
- Chinese University of HK - 91
- National University of Singapore - 94
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