With the demand and transformation of executive MBA programs picking up speed, Columbia Business School and London Business School which already run the top-ranked EMBA Global program haven’t missed a beat. Now they are offering Asian executives, on the fast track, a program that links three global financial nerve centers -- New York, London and Hong Kong. In June 2008, the two schools in America and Europe partnered with a third in Asia -- the Hong Kong University Business School -- to offer a joint MBA degree to working mangers primarily based in Asia.

The 20-month EMBA-Global Asia program…is expected to be a big draw with Indian, South Asian and Chinese executives looking for a mid-career refresher course or a passport to a new job.

The 20-month EMBA-Global Asia program started in May 2009 with a smallish class of 50. It is expected to be a big draw with Indian, South Asian and Chinese executives looking for a mid-career refresher course or a passport to a new job. Most of the core curriculum is taught in near-by Hong Kong by faculty members drawn from all three schools. Electives will be offered in New York and London as well as Hong Kong and will be open to all EMBA students at the three schools, offering great exposure to multiple campuses and the networking opportunities they bring. 

This new program capitalizes on popular, existing executive MBA curricular programming features such as international seminars, which connect students to industry leaders in places such as China, Argentina, Germany and India.

“This new program will give students the opportunity to benefit from everything EMBA-Global offers -- access to global networks, to world-renowned faculties, exceptional alumni networks and world business capitals -- plus the stimulating and profoundly important markets of Hong Kong and

“We are delighted to be working with Columbia and HKU on this exciting

initiative. London Business School’s strategic partnerships re-enforce our already powerful abilities to develop truly outstanding leaders capable of operating across the world.”

Fees

The fees for the inaugural batch of EMBA-Global Asia students was pegged at US $120,000 and includes tuition, most textbooks, accommodation for all teaching blocks through the first three terms and accommodation for the required international seminar or assignment. Students need to find their own airfares for all study blocks and international seminars and assignments.

Admissions Requirements

Important factors are a good undergraduate degree or equivalent, and intangibles such as your personal fit with the program.

Your academic standing and work experience naturally affect your chances of securing a position. Important factors are a good undergraduate degree or equivalent, and intangibles such as your personal fit with the program. You will also have to take the three-and-a-half-hour Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) which provides the admission committee with a quantitative tool to compare you with other applicants.  

It is important to remember that your GMAT score is only one part of your application. When reviewing your application the admission committee will look at your essays, references, professional experience and educational background to build up an overall picture of you as an applicant.

Application checklist

To be considered for an interview for the EMBA-Global Asia program, applicants have to provide all of the following:

• a completed online application, including application form, essays and personal statement
• a one-page CV or resume
• official academic transcripts or certificates  
• GMAT score
• TOEFL/IELTS if applicable
• two references
• a signed statement of employer support
• a copy of passport page with picture and identification information
• a non-refundable application fee.

Admissions Deadlines

The early deadline for applications for the program starting in May is generally around 10 November and the final deadline is 9 February. There are places available at each stage and you don’t need to wait for a deadline date to submit your online application. However, the sooner you apply, the sooner the admission committee can schedule your interview and the closer you will be to securing your place on the program.