How Big Is the QI Group? Exploring the Company’s Massive Reach

QI Group stands out among multinational corporations for its extraordinary growth and diversification. Established in 1998 amid the Asian financial crisis, this Hong Kong-based company has expanded from a humble e-commerce concern to a global enterprise spanning multiple industries.

QI Group’s origins trace back to the visionaries Joseph Bismark and Vijay Eswaran, whose backgrounds and philosophies have profoundly shaped the business. Influenced by his early education in an ashram, Bismark brings a rich mix of skills, including expertise in Vedic studies, bonsai, music, and martial arts. As a 3rd dan black belt in taekwondo, he was even part of the Philippine national team.

Eswaran, transitioning from economist to entrepreneur, was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles and sought to build a company centered on the philosophy of “Raise Yourself To Help Mankind.” This guiding belief became the cornerstone of QI Group’s operations, focusing on self-improvement and social responsibility, and inspired the name of the company’s charitable foundation, the RYTHM Foundation.

Both founders believe that the integrity of their business practices is as important as their success, making ethical conduct a fundamental aspect of QI Group’s ongoing mission.

How Big Is the QI Group?

The QI Group has established a presence in more than 30 countries and has a global workforce exceeding 2,000 individuals.

Starting in Hong Kong, it quickly expanded into major Asian cities like Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Bangkok, Thailand; Jakarta, Indonesia; and Manila, the Philippines. Building on this solid regional foundation, QI Group steadily broadened its presence across the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, Central Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. The company has recently bolstered its European footprint with new offices in Frankfurt, Germany, and Dublin, reflecting its commitment to tapping into opportunities across emerging and established markets.

The company’s growth trajectory has seen it expand from its initial focus on direct selling and e-commerce to encompass a diverse portfolio of businesses in sectors including education, hospitality, retail, and luxury goods, such as Swiss watch brand Cimier, which commemorates its 100th anniversary in 2024.

The scale of QI Group’s operations is perhaps best illustrated by its various business units. The company operates on a multi-faceted business model that combines direct selling, e-commerce, and traditional operations across multiple sectors. At its core, the company maintains a significant direct selling arm, which utilizes e-commerce to distribute wellness, lifestyle, and personal care products. This aspect of the business has been a critical driver of QI Group’s growth, with millions of customers and thousands of distributors across more than 100 countries.

While the company initially made its mark through direct selling, its business model has evolved to encompass a wide range of industries. It has strategically expanded into education, establishing a strong presence in higher learning with Quest International University in Malaysia. The firm’s foray into health food retail is represented by its Down To Earth brand in Hawaii, catering to consumers seeking organic and natural products.

Its travel and leisure division manages boutique hotels and resorts in Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. At properties like Prana Resort Nandana in Koh Samui, Thailand, the focus is on eco-tourism, and sustainability is taken seriously.

Overlooking the serene Bangrak beach, Prana exemplifies QI Group’s commitment to sustainable tourism. Conveniently close to shopping areas and tourist attractions and just 10 minutes from the airport, this resort ensures guests enjoy a top-notch experience while minimizing their carbon footprint. Eco-friendly practices include digital check-ins, QR code menus to reduce paper use, biodegradable or reusable items instead of single-use plastics, and locally sourced ingredients in the restaurants. Additionally, the staff actively participates in beach cleanups and community support initiatives, enhancing the resort’s dedication to sustainability.

These diverse holdings demonstrate the size of QI Group in terms of geographical presence and the breadth of its influence across various industries and market segments.

Building a Purpose-Driven Future

The company’s impact extends beyond its business operations. Since 2005, the RYTHM Foundation, QI Group’s social impact initiative, has collaborated with over 135 global partners on approximately 75 strategic projects. These initiatives have positively impacted 63,000 women and young females and benefited over 17,000 youth and children across various communities.

Eswaran explained, “We were very clear that we have a greater purpose other than being profit-driven. In today’s terms, it’s called stakeholder capitalism. The ideology of putting shareholders above all that has driven businesses for the last half a century needs a serious update.”

He continued, “We have been through so many challenges in the last two decades that many observers are amazed we are still around. I’d like to think that the secret sauce keeping us on track is RYTHM. It has brought us to this point, and I am confident it will take us through to the decades that lie ahead of us.”

Strategic Growth and Sustainability

QI Group is positioning itself for continued growth and adaptation to global market trends. By 2025, the organization aims to establish rigorous protocols for sourcing corporate gifts and branded merchandise, focusing on social consciousness and ethical practices. The company also sets stringent standards for eco-friendly packaging across its operations, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainability in its business practices.

The corporation is dedicated to supporting the U.N.’s Sustainability Development Goals. Through its Green Legacy program, the company actively contributes to combating climate change by planting trees, enhancing local ecosystems, and creating sustainable agro-forestry livelihoods for communities.

The size and reach of QI Group are impressive by any measure. From its presence in nearly three dozen countries to its diverse portfolio spanning multiple industries, the company has established itself as a significant player in the global business landscape. While challenges remain in navigating complex regulatory environments and addressing concerns about its direct selling operations, QI Group’s diversified business model and strategic investments position it for continued growth and adaptation in an ever-changing global marketplace.

As Eswaran stated, “Great achievements are not achieved in leaps and bounds, but rather by edging forward just a little bit more every day.” This philosophy encapsulates QI Group’s approach to growth and innovation, driving its continued success in the global marketplace.