Where Is QI Group Headquarters? Exploring the Global Hub of This Leading Company

The launch of QI Group in 1998 marked a courageous move by founders Vijay Eswaran, executive chairman, and Joseph Bismark, deputy chairman. Their decision to establish a new business venture during the Asian financial crisis demonstrated remarkable foresight. Today, that bold beginning has yielded a multinational enterprise spanning more than 30 countries and employing over 2,000 people from approximately 50 nationalities.

The past 26 years have seen QI Group strategically expand beyond its initial focus, establishing strong positions in seven key industries. Today’s portfolio encompasses everything from educational institutions and wellness brands to luxury retail and property development. The company’s interests now include Quest International University in Ipoh, Malaysia, the century-old Swiss watch brand Cimier, boutique resorts across South and Southeast Asia, as well as Turkey, and extensive wellness and lifestyle products network reaching consumers in more than 100 countries. This calculated diversification demanded the creation of advanced operational frameworks to orchestrate the company’s growing complexity and global presence.

Where Is QI Group Headquarters?

The company operates through a strategic dual-hub model, maintaining its corporate headquarters in Hong Kong while running a green-certified operational center in Malaysia’s Selangor state. This distinctive structure provided the launching pad for systematic growth, first into neighboring South Asian markets, followed by calculated expansion into the Middle East, Central Asia and Europe, ultimately extending into the emerging markets of sub-Saharan Africa.

The Hong Kong headquarters provides crucial advantages for international business operations. The city’s sophisticated financial infrastructure, robust legal framework, and position as a gateway to major Asian markets create an ideal base for global expansion. Meanwhile, the Malaysian hub, housed in the eco-friendly QI Tower, demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainable operations.

The transformation of the QI Tower marked a landmark achievement in sustainable architecture. Following its 2010 acquisition, the 15-story structure underwent extensive environmental upgrades, culminating in the prestigious Green Mark Gold certification from Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority. The building is Malaysia’s first high-rise to earn this recognition, delivering 20% resource efficiency while creating an environmentally conscious workplace. This investment in sustainable infrastructure aligns with QI Group’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while improving employee well-being. However, the company’s ecological philosophy extends beyond architecture. Since day one, the QI Group has championed plant-based nutrition, maintaining a strict meat-free policy at all corporate events and meetings.

Cultural Diversity Shapes Leadership and Philanthropy

With operational centers in Hong Kong and Malaysia, QI Group maintains a strategic position to observe and respond to Asia’s dynamic financial landscape. The shifting dynamics of regional currencies captured Eswaran’s attention, particularly regarding Singapore’s monetary position.

“When the United States Federal Reserve started raising interest rates, the Singapore dollar followed suit, leading to a narrower differential between the U.S. and Singapore interest rates compared with Malaysia,” he wrote in an editorial for the New Straits Times. He further noted, “Neglected sectors, whether infrastructure or education, have been overshadowed by short-term economic gains but are crucial for Malaysia’s long-term prosperity. Addressing these issues requires strategic planning and investment to fortify the economy against future shocks. Failure to address these neglected areas risks prolonged vulnerability to market fluctuations, hindering Malaysia’s ability to thrive in an increasingly uncertain global landscape.”

The company’s bilateral operational foundation also facilitates its extensive community engagement programs. Eswaran’s multicultural upbringing profoundly influenced his approach to corporate leadership and philanthropy. Growing up in Malaysia’s diverse society, attending nine different schools, and becoming fluent in nine languages gave him a unique perspective on building connections across cultures.

“When you grow up with people who look different from you, you get curious and ask questions about everything, from the clothes they wear, the food they eat, the holidays they celebrate,” Eswaran explained.

QI Group’s philanthropic vision, born from its founders’ deep appreciation of cultural diversity, manifests through the RYTHM Foundation, whose strategic initiatives support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through targeted community development programs. The company channels 10% of revenue into community development. The foundation’s name, which stands for “Raise Yourself To Help Mankind,” draws inspiration from a Gandhi anecdote that resonated deeply with Eswaran.

The foundation focuses on providing education access to children in remote and underserved communities, with particular attention to those with disabilities; offering skills training and economic opportunities to disadvantaged women and girls; and supporting rural communities with development initiatives for long-term sustainability. Its approach has yielded significant results; the foundation has built an impressive network of 135 global partnerships, impacting 63,000 women and young girls while supporting more than 17,000 youth and children worldwide.

Eswaran’s take on philanthropy reflects his belief that business success should translate into meaningful community impact. His global perspective has reinforced his conviction that diverse viewpoints drive innovation.

“I am a proponent of management by consensus,” he noted. “This is often misconstrued because people think they need to convince a large number of individuals in order to make important decisions. It’s not about convincing others. It’s about consulting. If you want to create an environment that fosters creativity and innovation, then you need to allow diversity of opinions.

“It’s not about giving up control, but about making an informed decision. The process can be long, but it’s worth it. It’s participative governance at its best, and it builds and fosters a sense of ownership.”

He continued, “Diversity is a catalyst for disruption and innovation. Different perspectives on customer needs, product improvements, and company well-being fuel a better business – a vibrant corporate culture, one that reinvents itself regularly. A diverse workplace encourages dialogue that allows for a new way of thinking. Assumptions need to be constantly challenged when you are trying to grow a business.”

Through RYTHM Foundation’s work, Eswaran has transformed his multicultural background and philosophical beliefs into tangible social impact, demonstrating how corporate success can catalyze positive change in communities worldwide.

He stated, “The biggest investment you can make in your people is your time. When you give them your time to help them develop both professionally and personally, it shows genuine interest in them as individuals. They know they are not just cogs in a wheel that add to a bottom line.”