In Their Words: Western Students On The Realities Of Getting An MBA In Asia

The Bangkok Business Challenge, hosted by the Sasin School of Management, is Asia’s longest-running student startup competition. Now in its 23rd year, the 2025 edition took place from May 22 to 24 in Bangkok under the theme “Growing Impactful Ventures.” Twenty teams from eight countries reached the finals, including several U.S. participants — and a U.S. student representing Sasin’s own Connect+ MBA program.

The three-day competition tested students on business acumen, innovation, and social impact, with rounds ranging from a rapid-fire pitch session to sustainability-specific evaluations. Judges included global investors, entrepreneurs, and executives. Team MabLab from Harvard took home the grand prize, the prestigious H.M. The King’s Award, as well as the Sustainability Award, while the University of Arkansas earned first runner-up honors.

For many Western students, competitions like this are a window into the deeper experience of studying business in Asia. From region-specific case studies to the cultural challenges of adapting to local business norms, pursuing an MBA at a school like Sasin offers both rigor, immersion — and both personal and professional hurdles. Three students — David Lawrence, Luke Phillips, and Pascal Gallina — share what it’s like to build a global mindset, career, and network in Bangkok.

DAVID LAWRENCE, SENIOR ADVISOR AT LITIGOAL & ALUM OF THE EXECUTIVE MBA AT SASIN

What has your experience been like studying in Asia and how do you compare it to what you’ve experienced or been told about studying in Europe and/or the U.S.?

I’ve studied in the U.S. at two respected institutions, the Colorado School of Mines and Case Western Reserve University School of Law in the 90s and early 00s, respectively. Fast forward to 2015, when I received my first experience studying in Asia at the Sasin School of Management (formerly known as the Sasin Graduate School of Business). What I first noticed was the makeup of the student body and faculty. The best way to describe it was “highly concentrated” in that the number of quality institutions that attract quality international faculty and quality local, regional and international students are few, so in each of these select institutions, there is a mixture of great talent on both sides of the podium. Our classes were guided by instructors from top institutions globally as well as top local institutions, giving us a unique perspective on how business challenges were addressed, and perhaps more importantly, on how business “was done” (i.e. business culture). My experience in the States was heavily U.S.-focused with limited exposure to faculty from abroad.

What are the benefits and what are the challenges students applying to Asian schools should know about?

The primary benefit offered to students wanting to study in Asia is, well, being in Asia. The Asian Century is here and is proving to come at a time of rapid acceleration in technological advancement and societal change. The confluence of traditional Asian cultural norms with the upheavals the current technological revolution brings reveals a dynamism that cannot be learned and must be experienced to truly understand. The main challenge facing a student applying to an Asian school is achieving a level openness to new experiences while being observant of local culture. Directness, for example, has been largely embraced by portions of the younger generations in the business context. Outside of that specific context, though, especially among people with whom the student has not yet developed a sense of personal trust, directness is not a strength and can harm relationship-building efforts.

What do you wish you’d known before getting started? What advice can you give prospective applicants?

I wish I had known more about my classmates’ international experiences, which many of them had and some did not. This resulted in me having delayed, and in some cases missing out, on developing relationships with some great people all because of a language barrier or a sense of discomfort in interacting from either side. My advice would be to gravitate towards group work with many different groups of students and show your patience and hope for patience in return for communication issues. Everyone is there for a reason, it is your job to figure out why. To prospective applicants, my main advice is to go for it. Every barrier, adjustment and problem you perceive is actually a reason to go, an opportunity to enrich your life experience and make lifelong friends. There’s no excuse not to have a global network these days!

LUKE PHILLIPS, FULL-TIME MBA, SASIN SCHOOL

What has your experience been like studying in Asia and how do you compare it to what you’ve experienced or been told about studying in Europe and/or the U.S.?

I grew up on the West Coast and went to university in both the States and in Spain. At that point, I became more interested in the idea of living abroad more permanently. This decade-long journey has taken me from Madrid, Spain, to various countries across Central America, then to Shanghai, Chaina, Toamasina, Madagascar, and now Bangkok, Thailand. Of all these experiences, I can honestly say studying in Asia has been the most impactful. I’ve been blown away by the quality of professors, the quantity of extracurricular workshops and events that have been put on by the school, and the overall different vantage points provided to me while studying at Sasin. The similarities between studying in Europe and in the U.S. with studying in Asia are vast. Pedagogy is akin to that of the west, as is academic rigor. The main uniquities that I’ve experienced are threefold. First, it is much cheaper to get a quality, highly-regarded degree here. Second, the lifestyle that has been possible for me here, in such an historically-rich region of the world, is second-to-none. And finally, the access you get to region-specific case studies and ASEAN industry leaders is unparallelled.

What are the benefits and what are the challenges students applying to Asian schools should know about?

Some of the benefits I’ve already touched on — the amazing lifestyle you can afford while studying here and the quality of instructors attracted to the top schools in the region — were critical in my choice to get my MBA in Thailand. But maybe an even greater benefit I’ve obtained is learning the ways in which different cultures think about and solve problems. It’s a benefit that is exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to acquire by simply reading a textbook.

I do believe there are a few trade-offs that a potential student should consider before making the decision about what’s best for them. First, if you do decide to seek employment in the area, you must really work to leverage your network here. Getting a top-tier job in Thailand as a foreign-born, recent MBA grad, at least in 2025, is incredibly difficult. The network that many of the schools have built can seem impenetrable if you do not have the local language skills. And at many times throughout the program, even at English-based universities, there will be instances when you feel the language barrier is insurmountable. You’ll likely be only one of a small handful of students with whom you share a cultural background. And that is amazing! But it also means that the rest of the cohort is likely to have a stronger bond. If you’re comfortable with those feelings, then I think the benefits outweigh the challenges.

What do you wish you’d known before getting started? What advice can you give prospective applicants? 

I wish I had known how difficult it is to get a job in the region, but it’s likely more of a sign of the times – the impact AI and political uncertainty is having, causing hiring freezes in so many companies. The best advice I have is to stay proactive in building positive relationships with genuinely good people. Utilize university resources, and be relentless in your studies. You have to be undeniable, kind, and curious in order to break through some of the barriers. And finally, if you feel it is right for you, do it! There’s no more rewarding an experience than looking back on what you’ve accomplished after pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

PASCAL GALLINA, FULL-TIME MBA, SASIN SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

What has your experience been like studying in Asia and how do you compare it to what you’ve experienced or been told about studying in Europe and/or the U.S.?

My initial three weeks studying my MBA in Bangkok have already been incredibly eye-opening, giving me a fresh global view. Compared to what I’ve seen or heard about European and U.S. programs, studying here offers a more direct look into how businesses grow and adapt in a developing country context. We’re quickly seeing real-world challenges specific to this region, like how traditional family businesses and large corporations adapt to modern needs or environmental goals. My classmates, with their diverse backgrounds across Asia, bring unique insights into these local market dynamics. This makes classroom discussions feel very practical and immediately relevant to the rapidly growing environment. It’s truly a unique academic experience that pushes me to think about global business from a different, interconnected perspective.

What are the benefits and what are the challenges students applying to Asian schools should know about?

A big plus of studying in Asia, besides the world-class food here, is the clear exposure to fast-growing economies and learning with students from many diverse cultures and backgrounds. You quickly start to see new business ideas and smart solutions needed here. It’s a great chance to meet new people and build connections in Asian industries. However, an initial challenge is learning to navigate different business approaches or communication styles compared to what’s common in the West, so understanding the local culture is key. Another point is language; even in an English-taught international university, you’re surrounded by many non-native English speakers, which can sometimes be challenging. Students should be ready for a lively environment that, while sometimes less certain, teaches you adaptability and strength right away.

What do you wish you’d known before getting started? What advice can you give prospective applicants?

Even after just three weeks, I’m already realizing how quickly businesses here change. Aligning things with environmental protection will clearly be one of the main focuses in the next couple of years, so a strong focus on continuous learning and flexibility will be key. My advice for future students is to quickly embrace the cultural immersion, both in class and outside. Don’t come expecting it to be exactly like Western education; instead, be open to new teaching styles and business methods from day one. Start talking a lot with your classmates right away, as their insights into their own business experiences are incredibly valuable. Most importantly, be curious and willing to adapt from the start. These qualities seem just as important for doing well here as any school preparation.

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