To understand what the QI Group does, one must understand its origins. The QI Group, founded by Vijay Eswaran and Joseph Bismark in 1998, is a global conglomerate. Headquartered in Hong Kong and with a regional green-certified operational hub in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, the QI Group operates across various sectors and is committed to innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Eswaran and Bismark brought unique perspectives that shaped the company’s core philosophy and business model. Eswaran, an economist influenced by Gandhian principles, and Bismark, with his spiritual and entrepreneurial background, laid the foundation for a company built on the principle of RYTHM — “Raise Yourself To Help Mankind.” This philosophy emphasizes self-empowerment and social responsibility, guiding the company’s operations and initiatives.
“It may sound like a catchy buzzword, but to us, RYTHM is interwoven into the fabric of the organization. In its simplest form, it means empowering yourself before you can help someone else,” said Eswaran. “And this philosophy has held us in good stead for over two decades because it is the driving force of everything we do and how we grew from a small Asian startup born at the height of the economic crisis in the region to a global multinational that today runs more than 10 businesses and employs over 2,000 people around the world.”
What Does the QI Group Do?
To answer the question of what does the QI Group do: The QI Group engages in strategic investments in wellness & lifestyle, education, travel & leisure, luxury goods and retail. Through its investment division, QI Capital, the QI Group invests in diverse portfolio companies based in Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the U.K., and the USA. Its investments cover sectors such as financial services, education, telecommunications, Swiss watchmaking, natural food retail, hospitality management, and an online marketplace.
This approach allowed the company to scale rapidly across Asia and beyond. Its oldest business is the direct selling arm, which serves millions of customers and thousands of distributors in nearly 100 countries. The platform facilitates the sale of wellness, home and living, health, personal care, beauty, and technology products, generating substantial revenue.
The QI Group has invested significantly in the travel and leisure sector, including the Prana Resorts and Spa operation in Thailand. These resorts cater to the wellness market, offering luxurious vacation experiences and contributing to the company’s revenue stream.
In Sri Lanka, the hotels managed by Asia Leisure, QI Group’s hospitality investment arm, are nestled within lush forests and feature their own organic farms, making them self-sustaining. These properties include Habitat Kosgoda, a tranquil seaside retreat surrounded by trees. Tamarind Hill in Galle is a historic manor house, while other options include The River House in Balapitiya, which offers an artistic haven along the Madhu Ganga River, and Taprobana in Wadduwa, an avant-garde beachfront resort.
All four hotels boast an average rating of over four stars on Google and Tripadvisor, with guests frequently praising the attentive and caring staff.
Located in Kaleiçi, Turkey — also known as Old Antalya — Dögan Hotel is a 41-room conservation boutique hotel the QI Group acquired in 2011. Dögan Hotel consists of four historic houses that have been tastefully renovated to preserve their centuries-old Turkish architecture while catering to the needs of modern travelers.
Investment in Education
In addition to its primary business ventures, the QI Group has made strategic investments in financial services. Education is a cornerstone of the QI Group’s mission. Quest International University in Malaysia exemplifies the company’s commitment to providing quality and affordable education. QIU aims to foster a culture of curiosity, innovation, and environmental consciousness. With a diverse student body of approximately 7,000 learners from nearly 50 countries, QIU offers programs across various faculties, preparing students for global challenges and leadership roles.
The company partnered with a leading Malaysian bank to raise funds for the expansion of QIU’s new campus with a $21.48 million (approximately 100 million Malaysian ringgits) Sukuk Ijarah program, a type of Islamic financing in which Islamic bonds are issued based on ijarah (leasing) principles. This innovative financing approach highlights the company’s commitment to long-term investment in education. The Sukuk Ijarah program also marks the QI Group’s first entry into Malaysia’s capital markets.
The company’s acquisition of Down To Earth, a health and wellness retail chain in Hawaii, highlights its commitment to sustainability and healthy living. Down To Earth specializes in organic, vegetarian, and natural products, contributing to the company’s mission of promoting environmentally friendly and health-conscious lifestyles. This venture aligns with the QI Group’s values and provides a steady revenue stream.
It also established a significant presence in the luxury market by acquiring the Swiss watch brand Cimier, in the early 2000s. Cimier marked its 100th anniversary in 2024.
The QI Group’s strong foundation in core values and commitment to innovation positions it well for continued growth. Its influence extends beyond business, actively participating in social and cultural projects to create a positive impact in the communities it serves.
