Global economic indicators reveal surprising strength heading into 2025 and 2026, with consistent growth forecasts of 2.8% and 2.9%, respectively. This durability comes despite significant headwinds, as falling inflation rates, moderating commodity markets, and relaxed monetary policies have created stabilizing forces. Yet the business landscape remains uncertain — international conflicts continue to simmer, political relationships between major powers are tense, and environmental concerns loom increasingly large on corporate agendas.
Within this framework, organizations that effectively harmonize profit objectives with environmental stewardship and social responsibility demonstrate exceptional market resilience and adaptability. To that end, QI Group’s business strategy is a case study in economic resilience, having developed its diverse operational footprint that spans educational initiatives, luxury products, hospitality ventures, and wellness offerings across numerous international markets.
What does QI Services do? QI Services is the registered legal name of the Malaysian entity that serves as the group’s operational headquarters. The organization’s influence extends globally, with operations in more than 30 countries covering everything from wellness products to luxury retail. This geographical and sectoral diversity has created a robust business model that can withstand fluctuating market conditions.
The QI Group has established its multinational presence through thoughtful diversification across several complementary sectors. Founded during the challenging 1998 Asian financial crisis, the company has grown to employ over 2,000 individuals representing approximately 50 nationalities. A dynamic, digitally fluent workforce comprising 63% millennials and centennials brings innovation, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose to the workplace.
Through QI Capital, it actively maintains investments with portfolio companies in multiple countries, including Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Who Is the CEO of the QI Group of Companies?
Vijay Eswaran and Joseph Bismark are co-founders of the QI Group. They continue to guide the organization, with Eswaran serving as executive chairman and Bismark as deputy chairman, working alongside their board of directors to shape strategic decisions.
Malaysian-born Eswaran’s entrepreneurial journey gained momentum after successfully revitalizing a struggling publishing company, only to find his position eliminated when new owners took control. This pivotal experience reinforced his determination to build his own business. Bismark brings a distinctive perspective shaped through his early education in an ashram, contributing unconventional insights to business leadership.
When the founders established QI Group in 1998, they built the organization on the core philosophy of RYTHM — Raise Yourself To Help Mankind. This foundational principle represented their direct commitment to developing a business that would simultaneously make a difference by giving back to those in need.
The company implemented a group-wide policy encouraging employees to dedicate time annually to supporting causes in their local communities. Since 2013, QI Group employees have contributed over 120,000 hours of service across dozens of environmental and social projects worldwide.
Both founders emphasize servant leadership principles, directly influencing the company’s management and corporate culture. “Leadership is not about telling people what to do,” Eswaran has stated. A true leader is one who knows how to serve.”
The foundation channels 10% of company revenues into three key areas aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. First, they focus on providing educational access for children with special needs and those in rural communities, ensuring these vulnerable populations receive quality learning opportunities.
Second, the foundation supports economic empowerment programs for women from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping bridge gender divides through skills training and entrepreneurial support. Third, they invest in sustainable development initiatives that help rural communities become self-sufficient, implementing projects that enhance social, economic, and environmental well-being.
What Are the Products of the QI Group of Companies?
The QI Group is a global conglomerate with business interests in education and training, wellness and lifestyle, travel and leisure, luxury goods, retail, logistics, and property investments.
The wellness and lifestyle division develops and distributes products across seven categories including home and living, health, personal care and wellness, tailored to the individual’s lifestyle. The company manages two Swiss watch brands in the luxury segment: Bernhard H. Mayer (established in 1871) which also distributes jewelry, and Cimier (which celebrated its centennial in 2024). These heritage timepiece manufacturers combine traditional Swiss craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities.
The hospitality portfolio features eco-friendly boutique hotels and resorts in Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. These properties consistently receive high ratings on major travel platforms, and guests frequently praise the attentive service and sustainability practices.
The company also operates Down to Earth, a health-focused food retailer in Hawaii specializing in organic, vegetarian and all-natural products. This business extends its impact through community education programs, including cooking classes and nutrition seminars in local schools and hospitals.
Quest International University represents the company’s commitment to educational advancement. Established in 2011, QIU has grown to serve over 15,000 students from more than 50 countries, creating a truly global learning environment. The institution’s vision extends beyond merely conferring degrees — it aims to develop graduates who excel academically while becoming innovators, leaders, and responsible community members.
QIU offers comprehensive programs across diverse disciplines, including business and management, computing and engineering, integrated life sciences, social sciences, medicine, and pharmacy. This broad curriculum addresses varied student interests and career aspirations while consistently focusing on research-driven education and practical application. The university distinguishes itself through an educational emphasis on student-centered learning, research innovation, and holistic development.
The institution’s growth continues through innovative financing approaches, including a $21.48 million Sukuk Ijarah program that marks QI Group’s first venture into Malaysian capital markets. This investment supports campus expansion and the development of state-of-the-art facilities that enhance the educational experience.
QIU’s picturesque setting in Perak provides an ideal environment for academic pursuit, while its hands-on learning philosophy ensures that students receive an education that remains relevant and applicable in rapidly evolving professional landscapes. By choosing Quest International University, students select an institution that prioritizes innovation, leadership development, and comprehensive personal growth — embodying QI Group’s commitment to sustainable advancement through education.
