AISAM is an advanced, international management program for MBA, business masters students, AISAM Alumni and experienced managers from industry and government throughout the world.
It is an applied study of business in Asia, of its integration with the rest of the world, and of the interplay of traditional and Western cultures in the context of high technology, economic development and global trade.
For those undertaking an MBA or business masters program, successful completion of AISAM gains credit for one or two units of study.
All units require active participation, class discussion, case analysis and group work. Visits to local organisations are an integral part of the program. The teaching language for all courses is English.

AISAM includes the unit Business in Asia in the first week and an elective unit (from a choice of three) for students undertaking an MBA or business masters program, in the second week.
AISAM also allows returning AISAM Alumni to complete the unit Entrepreneurship and Innovation in an Asia-Pacific Context (69kb PDF format) in the first week and/or an elective offered in the second week of AISAM 2008.
AISAM incorporates contributions from government ministers, international academics, trade authorities and international companies. A sharing of experiences and skills is encouraged through group work and opportunities to explore new knowledge are offered through individual assignments. Participants are also offered a variety of cultural and social events as part of their AISAM experience.
Business in Asia examines the economic dynamism of the Asian economies with a focus on individual countries such as China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, the Philippines and Vietnam. Forms of government, the structure of industry, inward investment, sourcing, trading relationships, government/business relationships and business culture and style are among the topics discussed or explored through case studies.
In the second week of AISAM 2008 the elective units will be taught, and participants may choose one elective from the three offered.
The proposed electives for AISAM 2008 are:
Participants may choose to study one unit only.
The ability to work across cultural and national boundariesAISAM is based on the premise that a genuine understanding of international business requires the combination of analysis and immersion in a multi-cultural, international business environment rather than a remote "textbook" overview.
Consistent with this view, AISAM has been designed to provide an interesting and stimulating mix of academic study and cross-cultural experience. It is held on the island of Penang - a microcosm of industry and commerce in South East Asia and a major tourist destination with a rich, multicultural history.
Penang is a major international economic centre with over 700 high technology global companies such as Acer, Alcatel, Canon, DHL, Eng Teknologi, Hitachi, Hewlett Packard, Intel, MEI, Motorola, Osram Opto, Seagate, Siemens and Sony. Penang is an ideal setting for studying business in Asia, its integration within the global economy, and the whole cultural context of undertaking business in Asia.
Situated within this reality of global trade, AISAM is designed to maximise the opportunity to learn first-hand from participants and session leaders about the unique cultural and business issues which are relevant to undertaking business ventures beyond your local boundaries.


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While free time and informal social interaction are an integral part of AISAM, the program also includes organised tours and a guided walk through the oldest part of the capital, Georgetown. This walk has been one of the highlights of AISAM. While in Penang you will have many opportunities to sample the cuisine of Asia, where dishes, sometimes by appearance alone, will excite your curiosity.
Notes:
1.
You must check with your Head of School or Program Director to confirm the level and type
of credit to be granted and to approve the elective you have chosen for credit.
2. The number of elective units offered will depend on the overall number of applicants and the choices made.
3. Students wishing to complete one unit only are strongly encouraged to enrol in 'Business in Asia' which emphasises the 'Asian' element of the AISAM program.