
QI Group is a multinational organization operating in a variety of spaces, from education to hospitality. Sustainability is one of the company's core values, and it has recently expanded its efforts to improve local ecosystems through reforestation.
Following COP 27 in Glasgow, where reforestation and forest preservation emerged as major focal points, QI Group launched an environmental initiative. The company's Green Legacy program, introduced at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, has since resulted in more than 25,000 trees planted across 11 countries.
QI Group launched the initiative by partnering with blockchain-enabled tree-planting platform EcoMatcher. It began by planting three distinct forests of 1,000 trees each in Kenya, the UAE, and the Philippines. Building on this initial success, the company expanded its reforestation efforts to eight additional countries, including Indonesia, Algeria, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Morocco, and Malaysia.
'The Sustainable Future'
QI Group's green initiatives extend beyond tree planting to encompass sustainable business practices throughout its operations.
"As travel and tourism picks up again, we must remember the lessons from the pandemic and never take Mother Nature for granted again," said Vijay Eswaran, the company's executive chairman. "The sustainable future of hospitality businesses is likely smaller-scale, authentic, and experiential. Governments, businesses, and consumers must align their tourism practices with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and a 1.5 degree future."
Koh Samui's Prana Resort Nandana, part of QI Group's hospitality portfolio, stands as a practical example of these environmental values. Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment awarded the property its prestigious Gold rating under the Green Hotel Standard for its eco-conscious operations. Guests experience sustainability through features like digital check-in processes, eco-friendly products, and cuisine prepared with ingredients from local producers.
The environmental focus aligns with the company's broader philosophy of RYTHM (Raise Yourself To Help Mankind), which serves as a guiding principle across all QI Group operations. Its philosophy is built on four core values: integrity, service, sustainability, and leadership. The company channels 10% of its revenues to the RYTHM Foundation, which maintains partnerships with over 100 grassroots organizations across 30 cities to drive positive social and environmental change.
What does QI Group do?
QI Group is a diversified multinational conglomerate with business interests spanning multiple sectors. The organization engages in strategic investments across wellness and lifestyle, education, travel and leisure, luxury goods, and retail.
Through its investment arm, QI Capital, the group maintains active investments in various portfolio companies across Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These investments span financial services, education, telecommunications, Swiss watchmaking, natural food retail, and hospitality management.
In education, QI Group operates Quest International University in the state of Perak, Malaysia, which has grown to welcome approximately 15,000 students from 50 countries. The company's hospitality ventures include boutique hotels and resorts across Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Turkey.
In the luxury sector, QI Group owns Cimier, a prestigious Swiss watch brand that celebrated its centennial in 2024.
What Is the History of QI Group?
The history of QI Group began in 1998, when it was founded by Vijay Eswaran and Joseph Bismark during the Asian financial crisis. Starting from modest beginnings, the company has grown into a multinational conglomerate with operations in more than 30 countries and a workforce exceeding 2,000 individuals representing nearly 50 nationalities.
Malaysian-born Vijay Eswaran's path to entrepreneurship began after successfully revitalizing a struggling Malaysian publishing company. When new owners eliminated his position after the company's sale, Eswaran resolved never to work for anyone else again. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.
Deputy Chairman Joseph Bismark brings a distinctive worldview shaped through early education in an ashram. His achievements include earning a 3rd Dan black belt in taekwondo and being part of the Philippine national team. His personal dedication to wellness, demonstrated through 40 years of yoga practice and vegetarianism, directly influences the company's health-focused initiatives.
Both founders advocate leadership through service. "Leadership is not about telling people what to do," said Eswaran in a recent interview. "A true leader is one who knows how to serve." This commitment to service requires cultivating specific leadership qualities, chief among them being patience.
The company's growth followed a structured expansion pattern. QI Group established its corporate headquarters in Hong Kong and a regional green-certified operational hub in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. From these foundations, the company extended its reach into South Asia before venturing into the Middle East, Europe, Central Asia, and the diverse markets of sub-Saharan Africa.
Employee-Driven Environmental Stewardship
The environmental commitment at QI Group extends beyond corporate initiatives to engage employees directly in sustainability efforts. Through the Employee Community Impact program, staff across 20 countries have contributed more than 125,000 hours of service since 2013, with many projects focused on sustainability and social impact.
"One of the most impactful things companies can do is get involved in their communities through employee volunteering initiatives," said a QI Group spokesperson. "We implemented a groupwide policy encouraging our employees to allocate 16 hours in a calendar year to volunteering for social causes in their local communities and the response has been amazing."
The company cites both tangible and intangible benefits from these initiatives. The spokesperson continued, "We've seen improved teamwork, more engaged employees, and something truly remarkable—employees taking pride in being part of a company that is making a difference in their community. They talk about it with their family and friends, and share pictures on social media. That kind of brand awareness being promoted through our own people is invaluable."
In corporate facilities, QI Group implements sustainability practices throughout daily operations. Staff meetings and company events operate under meat-free and plastic-free guidelines, demonstrating the company's grassroots commitment to environmental responsibility.
The company's sustainability efforts appear in multiple business divisions. In hospitality, QI Group's properties emphasize eco-tourism principles. The green-certified operational hub in Petaling Jaya serves as a model for sustainable architecture, while the university campus development incorporates environmentally conscious design elements.
QI Group's forestry initiatives contribute to multiple environmental goals. Beyond carbon sequestration, the projects aim to improve local ecosystems and foster sustainable agroforestry practices for community development.
The success of these environmental programs demonstrates how companies can integrate sustainability into their business models while achieving growth. For QI Group, environmental stewardship has become a core aspect of its business operations, reflecting a commitment that extends from leadership through all levels of the organization.
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