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.
Four qualifying areas were defined: Asia, Australasia, Europe, and Pan America. The winners from each area competed in Singapore during late May and early June to determine their right to play Malaya, which was exempt as the defending champion until it faced an opponent in a decisive challenge round match.