Since both the 3DS and ASE formats originate from 3D Studio Max 3D animation software it would be your best, and probably also only choice to perform 3DS to ASE conversion, ie. to export 3D Studio Max graphics (.3ds) to ASCII scene export files (.ase).
Such 3ds to ase conversion might also be possible with some 3rd party conversion utilities like the 3D Object Converter.
Updated: June 17, 2022