Kuala lumpur: The Graduate School of Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM-GSB) has made history by earning a spot for the first time in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2026, securing a position among the 151st to 200th business schools globally. This elevated UKM-GSB as the 23rd best business graduate school in Asia and the second best in Malaysia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, UKM-GSB successfully renewed its full accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for a further six years from 2025 to 2031, a recognition of its commitment to global standards in business education. UKM-GSB’s academic excellence was further underscored by the inclusion of two of its scholars, Prof Dr Mohd Helmi Ali and Assoc. Prof Dr Abdullah Mamun, in the Elsevier 2025 list of the world’s top two percent scientists.
Commenting on these achievements, UKM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Sufian Jusoh said the success reflected UKM-GSB’s long-term strategy and planning in strengthening academic excellence, research, and industry networks. “Since its establishment on Oct 1, 2007, UKM-GSB has successfully overcome various challenges to be recognised as a leading business graduate school in our country,” he said when speaking at a ceremony to celebrate the institution’s success in the QS Global MBA Ranking 2026 here today.
Sufian said the achievement not only reflects international standards but also reinforces confidence in the quality of Malaysia’s higher education system. “With the inclusion of the MBA programme in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2026, UKM-GSB has once again demonstrated strategic planning in strengthening the quality of teaching and elevating the UKM brand on the world stage,” he said. He emphasised that rankings and accreditations are not mere symbols of prestige, but a reflection of the quality of educational, effective governance, and institutional reputation.
“They also serve as key benchmarks for professionals, students, parents, and employers, highlighting the standards of excellence we uphold and ensuring the sustainability and quality of the education we offer,” he added.
Meanwhile, UKM-GSB Dean Prof Dr Zafir Khan Mohamed Makhbul said the achievement of being listed in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2026 was the result of the university’s long-term strategy in strengthening its quality and global reputation. He said UKM-GSB is also a member of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) and the Association of Asia Pacific Business Schools (AAPBS), in addition to collaborating with Harvard Business School through the adaptation of the Microeconomics for Competitiveness course.
“This makes UKM the only university in Malaysia authorised to use the curriculum from Harvard Business School,” he said, adding that the university is also strengthening its research, development, and industry networking as part of its branding strategy. Zafir Khan said that among the future focuses of UKM-GSB include furthering its internationalisation efforts, expanding academic collaboration networks, and exploring new areas of specialisation, such as healthcare management.