Four qualifying zones were established: Asia, Australasia, Europe and Pan America. Winners from each zone played-off in Singapore in late May and early June for the right to play Malaya which, as defending champion, was exempt until it met a challenger in a conclusive challenge round tie.
There were four qualifying divisions: Asia, Australasia, Europe, and Pan America. The winners of these zones participated in a playoff in Singapore between late May and early June for the opportunity to face Malaya, which was exempt as the defending champion until it faced an opponent in a decisive challenge round match.