The QI Group of companies is a diversified multinational entity headquartered in Hong Kong, with significant operations in over 30 countries. Founded in 1998 by Vijay Eswaran and Joseph Bismark during the Asian financial crisis, the QI Group has evolved from a modest e-commerce venture into a global conglomerate. The company’s diverse portfolio spans wellness and lifestyle, education, travel and leisure, luxury goods, and retail, positioning it as a key player in multiple industries.
The QI Group’s inception during a tumultuous economic period was driven by the founders’ vision to create a business that would support thousands of livelihoods. Eswaran and Bismark started with direct selling and gradually expanded their business model to include a variety of sectors. By leveraging the burgeoning potential of e-commerce in the late 1990s, they established a strong foundation for the company’s future growth.
“We never gave up,” said Bismark. “Despite whatever challenges we faced, we stayed there day and night and came up with solutions. We saw a problem, we didn’t run away, we faced whatever challenges, which is why we’re still here.”
Eswaran added, “We saw the world as one; we believed in the concept of a global village.”
What Does QI Group of Companies Do?
The QI Group operates several businesses, all with the underlying theme of creating a positive impact in the community.
The wellness and lifestyle sector remains a cornerstone of its operations, offering products that promote health and well-being. This sector was the company’s starting point and continues to drive a significant portion of its revenue. By offering a range of products and services tailored to support holistic health, the company improves the quality of life for its customers and provides opportunities for them to enhance their livelihoods. This dual focus on health and economic empowerment exemplifies the QI Group’s dedication to helping people elevate their lives in meaningful ways.
QI Group acquired the luxury Swiss watch brand Cimier in the early 2000s. . Cimier is known for exquisite timepieces that blend traditional Swiss watchmaking techniques with contemporary design, appealing to customers who value heritage and innovation. The brand marks its 100th anniversary in 2024. This acquisition underscores the QI Group’s commitment to quality and maintaining the legacy of established brands.
Education is a pivotal part of the QI Group’s portfolio. It is making a significant impact in education by challenging the traditional approach to tertiary education in Asia. Quest International University in Ipoh, Malaysia, was established to provide quality and affordable education. Since its inception, QIU has grown to accommodate thousands of students from nearly 50 countries. Through its various faculties and centers, the university nurtures curiosity, industry relevance, and environmental consciousness. Instead of merely producing graduates, the company’s educational institutions focus on the holistic development of students. This approach nurtures academic excellence while promoting the personal growth and social responsibility of students, equipping them to become well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society.
Eswaran has often emphasized the role of education in societal development, stating that accessible education can eradicate poverty, build peace, and promote sustainable development. The university’s innovative approach ensures graduates are well prepared to tackle global challenges with creative and sustainable solutions.
By actively supporting local farmers and promoting plant-based diets, the group’s retail business in Hawaii is contributing to the sustainability of regional agriculture and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices. Down To Earth, a health food retail chain, promotes organic and all-natural products, aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability. This retail chain supports the well-being of its customers while contributing to environmental sustainability by offering organic and natural foods.
The company’s involvement in the travel and leisure industry is significant, with several hotels under its management, particularly in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. These establishments are renowned for providing luxurious and eco-friendly vacation experiences. For instance, Prana Resort Nandana in Koh Samui, Thailand, is known for its serene environment and commitment to environmental stewardship, offering guests a unique blend of comfort and ecological consciousness. The boutique hotel exemplifies the company’s drive toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 through its comprehensive eco-friendly practices.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
The QI Group places a strong emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility. “The challenges, the obstacles, the repeated failures and mistakes, these things changed us and we have to brave the odds many a time simply on a wish and a prayer,” said Eswaran. “All of that has shaped us into, among other things, better human beings.”
The company has implemented a meat- and plastic-free policy across all its events and meetings to minimize environmental impact. Furthermore, QI Group employees have donated over 114,000 volunteer hours to more than 75 ecological and social projects globally.
The RYTHM Foundation, the company’s social impact initiative, focuses on education, empowerment, and environmental sustainability, aligning its efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Across its diverse business ventures, the QI Group consistently aligns its operations with the RYTHM philosophy. This guiding principle is evident across all its business ventures, each designed to contribute meaningfully to individuals and communities while fostering sustainable growth.
QI Group’s strategic investments extend beyond its primary sectors. Through its investment arm, QI Capital, the company has invested in financial services, telecommunications, natural food retailers, hospitality management, and an online marketplace. These investments are spread across various regions, including Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The QI Group is also actively involved in global discussions and initiatives through its partnership with the World Economic Forum. The WEF is an international organization headquartered in Cologny, Switzerland. It was founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab and was initially established as the European Management Forum. The WEF’s mission is to improve the state of the world by fostering public-private cooperation. It provides a platform for leaders from various sectors to engage in dialogue, shape global, regional, and industry agendas, and collaborate on initiatives to address critical global challenges.
As a long-standing partner of the WEF since 2010, QI Group participates in key events like the organization’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, and its Annual Meeting of the New Champions in China. This involvement underscores the company’s commitment to addressing pressing global challenges and contributing to sustainable development.
From its roots in direct selling to its expansion into luxury goods, education, travel, and retail, the QI Group continues to grow and innovate. The enterprise’s commitment to ethical business practices, sustainability, and social responsibility further strengthens its reputation as a leader in global markets. By maintaining a diverse portfolio and engaging in strategic partnerships, the QI Group is well positioned to continue positively impacting industries and communities worldwide.
