From Massachusetts Back to Malaysia
For Wei Han Lim, Asia School of Business (ASB) MBA Class of 2025, the MBA wasn’t a carefully plotted pivot. It was, in his own words, “a last-minute scramble.”
Born and raised in Malaysia, Wei Han spent 12 years in Massachusetts, completing his Bachelor’s degree at Tufts University and his Master’s degree at MIT, both in chemical engineering, before building a career in process engineering and life sciences.
When visa hurdles disrupted his plans in the United States, he discovered the Asia School of Business through MIT’s Assistant Dean of Admissions, who suggested the Malaysia-based sister school.
“At first, ASB was supposed to be a bridge back to MIT through the MSMS,” Wei Han admits. “But as I settled in, I realized being here made personal and professional sense. Looking back, I’m glad it worked out this way.”
Confidence, Community and Epiphanies
When asked to describe his ASB journey in three words, Wei Han does not hesitate: community, vulnerability, epiphany.
“Coming in, my ego had taken a battering,” he reflects. “I lacked confidence. But ASB became a safe space to explore, try new things, and be supported by classmates and faculty alike. This is a place where everybody knows each other – it seemed like a waste to not lean into that.”
He credits the Career Development Office and ASB’s alumni network with helping him shape his personal brand around tackling sustainability challenges, while classmates provided both encouragement and what he jokingly describes as “regular doses of friendly insults.”
Negotiation classes with Professor Alexander Eng also left a lasting impression.
“Rejection therapy taught me the worst that can happen is hearing ‘no.’ That gave me the courage to ask for what I want and fight for the value that I deserve,” he says.
Learning for Impact
Wei Han’s passion for sustainability found fertile ground at ASB.
Through electives with Professor Renato Lima de Oliveira and Dr. Pieter Stek, he deepened his understanding of how technology, business strategy and policy intersect to drive sustainable energy transitions.
His Capstone project at Gentari, where he worked with peers on human resource challenges, proved both unexpected and transformative.
“It was out of my comfort zone but incredibly rewarding,” he recalls. “We fought each other all the time, built on a deep sense of trust and respect for each other, working towards a shared goal. We felt truly validated when we learned that our work continues to be used by our host company, nearly a year later. It was one of the best team experiences of my life.”
The MIT Connection and Beyond
For Wei Han, ASB’s collaboration with MIT represented more than an academic partnership. It provided continuity with a place that had shaped much of his life.
“Heading back for our MIT Immersion gave me closure in more ways than one,” he says. “My classmates finally understood where I came from, and I could reconcile my identity as a quasi-third culture kid.”
Today, he continues to embrace both communities, serving as Secretary of the MIT Club of Malaysia while leading strategic finance research projects at ASB.
Lessons in Vulnerability and Growth
Some of Wei Han’s most meaningful experiences came outside the classroom through ASB’s Mindset Lab.
“We learned to embrace vulnerability as we undertook personal growth mindset projects over the year,” he says. “We shared our final projects during a session in a week in which we were all focused on other projects, so it easily could have been something that we could have checked out of. But everyone came prepared to share how they had grown, and everyone was prepared to listen and support each other.”
Lasting Bonds and Chaotic Fun
Beyond academics, Wei Han values the friendships and connections formed throughout the MBA journey.
From dinners with friends across Kuala Lumpur to board game nights with faculty and alumni, he cherishes the experiences that extended beyond the classroom.
One memorable moment came during ASB’s 10th Anniversary celebration, where he found himself unexpectedly performing in a band alongside ASB President Joseph Cherian the day before graduation—with no rehearsal.
“Chaotic unhinged fun,” he laughs, borrowing Professor Melati Nungsari’s description of the occasion.
The performance saw him singing backing vocals before an audience that included Nobel Laureate Robert Merton and numerous distinguished guests.
A Gem for Future Students
Asked what advice he would offer future students, Wei Han is quick to reassure.
“Don’t worry. You’re not the only one with impostor syndrome. Everyone’s dealing with their own version of it. Embrace that vulnerability, collaborate, and you’ll thrive.”
For someone who initially viewed the Asia School of Business as a stepping stone, it ultimately became something much more significant—a launchpad combining rigorous learning, a vibrant community and a renewed sense of purpose.
What began as a detour became direction. A last-minute decision that gave him more than a degree—it helped him rediscover himself.
About Asia School of Business (ASB)
The Asia School of Business (ASB), in collaboration with MIT Sloan School of Management, is dedicated to developing transformative and principled leaders through action learning and a global perspective rooted in Asia.
Learn more about ASB: https://asb.edu.my/
Source / Credit: Asia School of Business (ASB)
