Exploring QI Group: What Is QI Known for in Global Markets?


QI Group

The QI Group, a diversified multinational entity headquartered in Hong Kong, has made significant strides in various sectors since its inception. Founded by Vijay Eswaran and Joseph Bismark, the group has grown from a modest e-commerce venture into a global conglomerate with a presence in over 30 countries and employing more than 2,000 people. Its operations span several industries, including wellness and lifestyle-focused direct selling, education, travel and leisure, luxury goods, and retail.

The company was born during the tumultuous period of the Asian financial crisis. Eswaran and Bismark, driven by the need to support thousands of livelihoods, co-founded the company with a focus on direct selling. By 1998, they officially established the QI Group, aiming to leverage the growing potential of e-commerce. Eswaran said, “In those early days, if someone had told me I would one day be here celebrating our 25th anniversary, I would have laughed. We would have been happy to survive the first 12 months back then.”

QI Group recently demonstrated its commitment to global progress by attending the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2024 in Dalian, China. This event brought together 1,600 leaders from over 80 countries to tackle pressing global challenges and explore future development strategies under the theme “Next Frontiers for Growth.”

As a long-standing partner of the WEF since 2010, QI Group continues to actively participate in these influential gatherings. This year, the company’s delegation included Ramya Chandrasekaran, QI’s chief communications officer.

Chandrasekaran participated in an exclusive women leaders dinner and a round table on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations digital economy. These sessions focused on promoting gender equality and advancing the digital economy in the ASEAN region, reflecting QI Group’s commitment to inclusive growth and digital transformation.

“What struck me most was the unique quality of discussions when women leaders convene. There’s no competition, only collaboration. No one-upmanship, just upliftment,” she stated on LinkedIn.

The WEF Annual Meeting of the New Champions serves as a vital platform for global leaders to address critical challenges and chart a path toward a more sustainable and equitable future. QI Group’s active participation underscores its commitment to these goals and positions the company as a frontrunner in shaping industries and driving positive change. By engaging in global collaborations and discussions, the business aims to unlock the full potential of innovation and contribute to building a better future for all​.

What Is QI Known For?

The QI Group is known for ethical business practices and transparency. The company emphasizes integrity and service, ensuring its operations adhere to high ethical standards. This approach has helped it maintain positive relationships with its stakeholders, including customers, employees, and business partners.

The QI Group is dedicated to sustainable practices across its operations. It implemented a meat- and plastic-free policy for all meetings and events to reduce environmental impact. Additionally, employees have donated over 100,000 volunteer hours to more than 750 ecological and social causes in over 20 countries. The company’s social impact initiative, RYTHM Foundation, focuses on education, empowerment, and the environment, aligning its efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Diverse Business Interests

The QI Group has significantly diversified its business interests over the years. The company’s primary focus areas include wellness and lifestyle products, which were the foundation of its initial success. Additionally, it has ventured into the luxury market by acquiring the Swiss watch brand Cimier, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024.

Cimier is renowned for exquisite timepieces that blend traditional Swiss watchmaking techniques with contemporary design. Cimier watches appeal to discerning customers who appreciate both tradition and innovation. The QI Group’s stewardship of Cimier maintains the brand’s legacy while adapting to contemporary tastes and market demands.

In the travel and leisure sector, the company operates a substantial number of hotels, particularly across the Indian Ocean area and Southeast Asia, including Prana Resort Nandana in Koh Samui, Thailand; this expansion was driven by the realization that the group’s extensive booking requirements necessitated owning and managing hotel properties to maintain service quality and customer satisfaction.

These establishments offer luxurious and eco-friendly vacation experiences, setting a high standard for sustainable hospitality. Prana Resort Nandana, in particular, is known for its serene environment and commitment to environmental stewardship, providing guests with a unique blend of comfort and ecological consciousness.

In the retail domain, the QI Group owns Down To Earth, a health food retail chain based in Hawaii. Down To Earth promotes organic and all-natural products, aligning with the QI Group’s commitment to sustainability. By providing access to organic and natural foods, Down To Earth supports the well-being of its customers and contributes to environmental sustainability.

Quest International University in Ipoh, Malaysia, is a flagship initiative by the QI Group. Established 12 years ago, QIU aims to provide quality and affordable education. It boasts over 7,000 graduates and more than 2,000 active students from 39 countries, focusing on nurturing curiosity, industry relevance, and environmental consciousness.

“I firmly believe that quality and affordable education is an effective means of eradicating poverty, building peace, and creating sustainable development,” said Eswaran. “For years, the trend has been for Asian students to go to the U.K., the U.S., or Australia for higher education. I wanted to reverse that trend by making a similar quality of education accessible to students closer to their homes, at a much more affordable price.”

This holistic approach ensures that graduates are academically proficient and prepared to address global challenges with innovative solutions. Eswaran explained that the school is “fostering a culture of social responsibility one student at a time.”

It’s just one of the many ways the QI Group has empowered numerous communities through its diverse business ventures.


Purity Muriuki
I'm a passionate full-time blogger. I love writing about startups, technology, health, lifestyle, fitness, electronics, social media marketing and much more. Continue reading my articles for more insight.

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