AMBS commemorated six decades of innovation and impact in business education, with a focus on sustainability, interdisciplinary research, and lifelong learning in Malaysia, leveraging its expansive interdisciplinary structure spanning various divisions, institutes, and centres.
Kuala Lumpur – Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS), the business faculty of the esteemed The University of Manchester, marked its 60th anniversary with a special celebration event for Southeast Asia in Singapore. This milestone event commemorates six decades of academic excellence, thought leadership, and AMBS’s profound influence on the global business landscape, through its strong presence in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia.
AMBS’s commitment to interdisciplinary research is evident through its structured framework, encompassing;
- Four Divisions (Accounting and Finance, Innovation, Management and Policy, People, Management and Organisations, and Management Sciences and Marketing);
- Four Institutes (Work and Equalities, Sustainable Consumption, Productivity, and Innovation Research); and
Two Centres (Centre for the Analysis of Investment Risk and Decision and Cognitive Sciences Research Centre).
This approach enables AMBS to take a comprehensive approach to tackling complex business challenges, and in doing so, nurture talent within Malaysia’s corporate and entrepreneurial sectors. This same approach was also the centre of the recent celebrations, bringing together academics from various disciplines.
Distinguished representatives at the event included Professor Ken McPhail, Dean of AMBS, and Mr Xavier Duran, Global MBA Director. They were joined by Dr Alan Wu, Executive Director of Asia Programmes, Executive Education, and Ms Lim Bee Ing, Regional Director of The University of Manchester South East Asia Centre. Professor McPhail’s presence underscored AMBS’s commitment to Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region, aligning with local priorities on responsible business and sustainable growth.
“This anniversary year was an important moment for Alliance Manchester Business School,” said Professor McPhail. “While we celebrate six decades of excellence, our eyes remain focused firmly on the future. As part of The University of Manchester, with its long tradition of nurturing talent and fostering groundbreaking discoveries, we are proud to have played a part in the journeys of numerous Nobel Laureates. At the same time, we recognise that sustainability is not merely a business imperative but a fundamental responsibility. Our interdisciplinary approach allows us to equip our students with the critical thinking and collaborative skills required to address the complex challenges facing businesses and society in Malaysia.”
Malaysia’s increasing demand for MBA education reflects a growing need for leadership and business expertise. AMBS has played a pivotal role in shaping Malaysian professionals, with alumni excelling in finance, technology, and entrepreneurship, and as MBA education evolves, continues to provide global insights that equip Malaysian leaders to navigate contemporary business challenges. This is in addition to supporting initiatives such as the Malaysian government’s Industry Training Matching Grant Initiative for Small and Medium Enterprises (LiKES), thus promoting lifelong learning and workforce upskilling. The school’s robust alumni network also contributes significantly to key sectors such as finance, technology, and corporate leadership. AMBS remains dedicated to fostering innovation, sustainability, and global business leadership through its interdisciplinary approach and connected academic entities.
AMBS alumnus, Dr. Prem Kumar Nair, Group Chief Executive Officer of IHH Healthcare, leads Asia’s largest private healthcare group, listed on both the Bursa Malaysia and Singapore Exchange. With a focus on delivering comprehensive healthcare services internationally, IHH Healthcare operates in a rapidly evolving and complex industry. Reflecting on how the school’s MBA programme strengthened his ability to drive impact in this sector. “The AMBS MBA shaped my ability to lead with impact in a highly complex and evolving industry. The programme’s emphasis on strategic thinking and global perspective equipped me to tackle healthcare challenges with confidence. AMBS fosters a global mindset and a commitment to sustainability—values that align deeply with my work in healthcare. I am proud to be part of a network that drives meaningful change across industries and borders.”
Mandeshpal Singh, a fellow alumnus, and Head of Enterprise Solutions at Digital Nasional Berhad, added, “AMBS provided me with the critical thinking and leadership skills needed to navigate complex business environments. The school’s blended learning approach allowed me to gain a world-class education while managing high-level projects in Malaysia’s digital transformation journey. As DNB spearheads the nation’s 5G Digital Future, my experience at AMBS has been invaluable in shaping strategies that drive large-scale connectivity and innovation. The programme’s portability allowed me to seamlessly continue my studies amidst professional demands, while the strength of AMBS’ global alumni network and international exposure gave me a strategic edge in an evolving market. I am proud to be part of this prestigious institution that continues to shape leaders across industries.”
As AMBS celebrates its 60th anniversary, it reaffirms its commitment to developing the next generation of Malaysian leaders. The school will continue to provide cutting-edge education and research, preparing professionals to thrive in the evolving global economy. AMBS remains dedicated to fostering alumni engagement, offering opportunities for them to contribute their expertise and experience to the community, and to drive innovation and solution development for future challenges.For more information about upcoming events and programmes, visit manchester.edu.sg.
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