Master of Business Administration (Open & Distance Learning – ODL)
Advance in your career with a 100% online, self-paced MBA.

Why study Master of Business Administration (Open & Distance Learning – ODL) at HELP's ELM Graduate School?
ELM is the acronym for Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Management. It reflects the School's understanding of the multifaceted role of both individuals and organisations that at any one time the trinitarian role of entrepreneurship, leadership and management interplays to create, manage and sustain a business over different phases of its life.
The ELM Framework underlies our philosophy of the ELM Graduate School executive education and the way we teach and learn business in the HELP Group. It synthesises relevant theoretical constructs and integrates them into a practical system of decision-making for ELM. It is a useful tool for facilitating thinking out the right business model and strategy execution.
The ELM approach is used in our teaching and learning in the ELM Graduate School. This is the multi-perspective lens that we use to identify, respond and adapt to education, enterprise and execution.
This unique framework shapes our postgraduate programmes and brings depth and practical value to the knowledge and experience that all our students will no doubt gain.
Distinguished faculty members
State-of-the-art Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Virtual Reality (VR) research laboratories.
The only university in Malaysia offering clinical neuro- psychological services via the Center for Neuropsychology.
The first and only Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology chapter in Southeast Asia.

Programme Overview
- A Bachelor’s degree (MQF Level 6) in related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.50, OR
- A Bachelor’s degree in related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.00, subject to rigorous internal assessment, OR
- A Bachelor’s degree in non-related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 and with relevant working experience, subject to rigorous internal assessment, OR
- IELTS
5.5 - TOEFL
550 paper-based (213 computer-based; 80 Internet-based) - MUET
Band 5 - SPM
A for English (A1/A2 or A+/A/A-) “(not including SPM 1119)” - UEC
B for English - HELP Foundation in Arts/Science
Credit for either Intermediate English or Advanced English - South Australian Matriculation
14/20 for English as a Second Language - Canadian Pre-U
65 for ENG4U
Explore straightforward entry requirements that make joining our MBA Online programme seamless.
For non-related fields bachelor’s degree holders (min. CGPA of 2.00) without relevant working experience:
Apply for our complimentary 2-week prerequisite study of business and management, and start your MBA Online in no time! Speak to our Education Counsellors to find out more.
For Malaysian non-degree holders with at least a Diploma or STPM certificate:
Obtain the MQA Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning, APEL.A certificate for approved course admission.
For international applicants:
Require English proficiency in terms of MUET Band 4, or CEFR (MidB2), IELTS 6.0, or other language proficiency equivalencies.
Programme Lead: Dr. Sumathi Paramasivam
DBA (HELP University), Masters in Arts (Marketing) (University of Northumbria at Newcastle), Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing (University of Northumbria at Newcastle), Social Sciences and Humanities (University Kebangsaan Malaysia),Fellow (CMI)
Dr. Sumathi Paramasivam is a seasoned professional and brings over 20 years of experience in impactful learning design strategies and leading diverse teams across various industries. A marketing expert and mentor, she blends educational theory with real-world insights to drive growth. Her passion lies in fostering continuous learning and is committed to helping individuals reach their full potential.
Lecturer: Dr. Eddie Phun
BA Arts in Econs (University Malaya), MBA in Marketing (University Putra Malaysia) and DBA in Branding (University of South Australia)
Dr. Eddie supervises students’ capstone projects and DBA research, offering valuable guidance for their postgraduate success. Leveraging his extensive corporate background and experience as a Marketing Manager, AGM, and GM, he enhances students’ learning with a practical dimension.
Lecturer: Dr. Chung Tin Fah
B.Econs (University Malaya), MA (Yale, USA), PhD (Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia)
With over 30 years of experience in finance and economics, Dr. Chung is an independent member of Bursa Malaysia’s Market Participants Committee. He’s worked at Bank Negara, SOCSO, and the Securities Commission and has contributed to projects for the World Bank and the Malaysian Government.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is getting an MBA worth it?
Yes. An MBA can enhance your leadership skills, earning potential, and the business opportunities that come your way. It’s an investment in your future that equips you with valuable knowledge and connections to keep up with the rapidly changing world of business.
What can I learn with an MBA?
You will gain knowledge in the various business fundamentals, from management to research skills to analytics to ethics. By the end of the programme, you should have a new business network, greater confidence in your leadership skills, and a holistic understanding of modern business practices.
Is it okay if I don't have a diploma/bachelor's degree?
For Malaysian non-degree holders with at least a Diploma or STPM certificate, you will need to obtain the MQA Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning, APEL.A certificate for approved course admission.
Speak to our Education Counsellors to learn more about the entry requirements here.
Do you need a bachelor's degree in business to get an MBA?
For non-related fields bachelor’s degree holders (min. CGPA of 2.00) with relevant working experience, it’s subjected to a rigorous internal assessment.
For non-related fields bachelor’s degree holders (min. CGPA of 2.00) without relevant working experience:
You can still pursue the MBA Online via the complimentary 2-week prerequisite study! Speak to our Education Counsellors to find out more.
I've been working for a lot of years, so do I really need an MBA?
An MBA can be highly beneficial for experienced professionals seeking career advancement and professional connections. It provides a platform to refine your expertise, share insights with business peers, build confidence in leading a team, and transition into leadership roles.