QI Group of Companies

What QI Group of Companies does

QI Group of Companies is a privately held, founder-led diversified multinational conglomerate headquartered in Hong Kong (Kowloon East) with operational presence across approximately 30 countries and a flagship distribution footprint spanning 100+ countries via its direct selling arm. Founded in 1998 during the Asian financial crisis by Vijay Eswaran (Executive Chairman) and Joseph Bismark (Deputy Chairman), the group operates through four primary business verticals: Learning (Quest International University in Malaysia, serving 2,000+ students from 40+ countries), Travel & Leisure (Asia Leisure boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, Prana Resort Nandana in Thailand, Doğan Hotel in Turkey, and One@Bukit Ceylon in Kuala Lumpur, plus QVI vacation club memberships), Empowering Entrepreneurship (QNET, a B2C eCommerce direct selling platform with hundreds of thousands of distributors and millions of customers offering health, wellness and lifestyle products), and Enhancing Lifestyles (Down To Earth organic products and Cimier luxury watches). The group is guided by an 11-member multinational Board from 6 countries and employs 2,000+ people representing 46 nationalities and speaking 50+ languages.

The underlying technology platform centres on QNET's integrated e-commerce stack — one of the earliest B2C eCommerce implementations in Asia — which combines product sales, digital payments, an e-wallet, a virtual office with business tools, and a sales performance dashboard for distributors. The platform supports a direct selling revenue model where hundreds of thousands of independent distributors earn commissions on product transactions; the hospitality vertical generates subscription-style revenue through vacation club memberships and accommodation sales; and the education vertical produces recurring tuition from over 40 foundation, degree and postgraduate programmes. The conglomerate is structured around a wholly-owned subsidiary network including Kami Builders (construction), QNET, QIU, Asia Leisure, Prana Resorts, RYTHM Foundation (social impact arm), Taarana School, and Down To Earth. Strategic capital is increasingly accessed through ESG-aligned instruments — notably the RM300 million ASEAN Sustainability SRI Sukuk Programme secured in June 2026 with AAA(s) RAM Ratings — indicating institutional-grade financing capability despite private ownership.

QI Group's go-to-market is primarily direct-to-consumer: QNET leverages its distributor network and digital platform for global product distribution, while hospitality and education verticals operate physical assets in specific regional markets (Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey). The company's RYTHM (Raise Yourself To Help Mankind) philosophy anchors a values-driven positioning evidenced by UN Global Compact signatory status since 2015, consecutive 'Best Companies to Work for in Asia' recognition from 2011-2024, Forbes Asia Heroes of Philanthropy honours, and World Economic Forum Future of Inclusion Lighthouses 2026 recognition. Notable risks include a 2024 Hyderabad police investigation into a QNet-linked franchisee for alleged money circulation fraud, which highlights ongoing regulatory and reputational exposure inherent to the direct selling model in certain emerging markets.

Name

QI Group of Companies

Legal name

QI Holdings Ltd.

Website

https://qigroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

QI Group is a Hong Kong-headquartered, founder-led diversified multinational conglomerate operating across direct selling (QNET, 100+ countries), higher education (Quest International University, Malaysia), boutique hospitality (Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey), and lifestyle products, serving millions of consumers and 2,000+ students globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Direct Selling and Diversified Conglomerate (Multi-Vertical)

akta.pro primary industry

Affiliate Marketing & Partner Networks (BPAMALAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Merchant-Integrated BNPL (Checkout POS Financing) (FSAGAIAA), Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Home-Sharing Marketplaces (THAMALAA)

Keywords

• Direct selling platform
• Lifestyle wellness products
• Hospitality travel services
• Higher education services
• Vacation club membership

Headquarters

HQ city

Kowloon City

HQ country

Hong Kong SAR China

HQ region

Asia

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. QNET Direct Selling Products and Services: Direct selling business model where distributors earn commissions on product sales. Products and services designed to help people take charge of their health and improve their lifestyle and livelihood. QNET offers health and wellness products with the overarching goal of making complete well-being accessible to all. Hundreds of thousands of distributors globally promote products and build successful sales businesses.
2. Travel and Leisure - Vacation Club Memberships and Accommodations: Travel and leisure business offers services including vacation club memberships, leisure travel and entertainment, and accommodations through hotels, resorts and QI-owned properties. Hospitality investment arm invests in hotels around the world providing attractive travel and holiday packages.
3. Quest International University Education: Private university offering various foundation, degree and postgraduate courses. Established in partnership with Perak State Government in Malaysia. Serves more than 2,000 students from over 40 countries.
4. Lifestyle Products: Strategic investments in established international businesses including Down To Earth wellness products and luxury products like Cimier watches to help people live the life they want.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

QI Group operates a diversified portfolio anchored by QNET, a B2C direct selling e-commerce platform offering health, wellness and lifestyle products to millions of customers in 100+ countries through hundreds of thousands of independent distributors who earn commissions on sales. Complementary revenue lines include Quest International University (private higher education in Malaysia with 40+ programmes), Asia Leisure hospitality (boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey), lifestyle brands (Down To Earth, Cimier), vacation club memberships via QVI, and the RYTHM Foundation's social impact programmes.

Product overview

QI Group of Companies is a diversified multinational conglomerate operating across multiple business verticals including direct selling, education, travel and hospitality, and lifestyle products. Its flagship businesses include QNET (direct selling platform serving millions of customers in 100+ countries), Quest International University (private university in Malaysia), and Asia Leisure (hospitality brand with properties in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, Malaysia, and the Maldives). Additional brands include Prana Resort Nandana, Down To Earth, RYTHM Foundation (social impact), the V-Convention event platform, and the Green Legacy reforestation programme. The Group operates through a platform-and-module architecture where QNET serves as the core direct selling engine supplemented by training, travel, lifestyle, and social impact modules.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• QNET: Flagship direct selling business offering wellness, lifestyle and education products and services globally with millions of customers in over 100 countries
• Quest International University (QIU)
• RYTHM Foundation
• Taarana
• Maharani Programme
• Asia Leisure
• Prana Resort Nandana
• Doğan Hotel
• V-Convention
• Down To Earth
• QVI

Products and services

• QNET Direct Selling Platform Flagship direct selling business providing customers in more than 100 countries access to unique high-quality wellness and lifestyle products and services, while enabling independent distributors to earn commissions on product sales via QNET's digital platform.
• Quest International University (QIU) Private Malaysian university offering over 40 foundation, degree and postgraduate programmes across Medicine, Pharmacy, Business, IT, Engineering and related disciplines; serves 2,000+ students from 40+ countries with a multicultural staff of 50+ nationalities.
• QVI Vacation Club Membership (QI Vacation International) Vacation club membership service providing members with access to travel, leisure and accommodation benefits across QI Group's hospitality properties.
• Asia Leisure Hospitality QI Group's hospitality arm operating six boutique luxury hotels and resorts in Sri Lanka (with additional Maldives projects), catering to discerning leisure travellers.
• Prana Resort Nandana 72-room luxury beachfront resort in Koh Samui, Thailand, blending traditional Thai craftsmanship with modern design and certified to Thailand's Green Hotel Standard (Gold).
• One@Bukit Ceylon Hotel Suites QI Group-owned hotel suites in Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle / Bukit Bintang area, targeting guests seeking city-centre stays.
• Doğan Hotel 41-room conservation boutique hotel in Kaleici (Old Antalya), Turkey, comprising four restored historic Ottoman-era houses.
• Down To Earth Lifestyle and well-being brand selling organic and natural products via QNET and related channels.
• Cimier Luxury Watches Luxury watch brand positioned within QI Group's enhancing-lifestyle portfolio, sold through QNET and related distribution.
• RYTHM Foundation Social Impact Programmes QI Group's social impact foundation, delivering community programmes in Education, Empowerment and Environment in around 30 countries with 113+ global partners since 2005.
• Taarana School Centre for children with special education needs offering a broad, balanced curriculum and personalised learning and therapy plans.
• Maharani Programme Empowerment programme for teenage girls from underserved communities in Malaysia, delivered via the Maharani School Programme (MSP) and Maharani Learning Lab (MLL); supported over 8,000 teenage girls.
• V-Convention QI Group's flagship biannual direct selling convention gathering 15,000+ QNET distributors from over 50 countries for training, motivational seminars, product showcases and new product launches.
• Green Legacy Programme Block-chain-tracked reforestation programme planting dedicated forests across 11 countries through the EcoMatcher partnership, with over 25,000 trees planted for sustainability and carbon impact.
• Community Adoption Programme (CAP) QI Group's community-led social impact programme addressing inequalities and urgent needs of disadvantaged and indigenous communities through partnership-led initiatives.
• Learning & Growth Training Programmes Suite of in-house employee development and mentoring programmes (The Zone, STEER, QI Rising, Second Echelon (2E), iLead Women's Mentoring) fully funded by QI Group for selected employees.

Quantifiable outcome

• 25,000+ trees planted across 11 countries through Green Legacy programme
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• EcoMatchercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partnership with EcoMatcher, a Certified B Corporation, for the Green Legacy reforestation programme. Trees planted using blockchain technology to ensure transparency and impact. Dedicated forests planted in Kenya, UAE, Philippines, and expanded to 11 countries.
• Good Shepherd Services (GSS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Local non-profit organisation working with RYTHM Foundation on Indigenous communities initiative in Sabah, Malaysia. Between April 2021 and March 2024, supported selected villages through programmes on education, livelihoods, environmental stewardship, and community self-reliance.
• Perak State Government (Malaysia)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Partnership with Perak State Government in Malaysia to establish Quest International University (QIU) which opened in April 2011.
• World Economic Forum (WEF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAs a partner of the World Economic Forum, QI Group has been part of global conversations on demographics of gig workforce, diversity in workplace and society, future-proofing education, and building future-oriented companies. Collaborating on Closing the Skills Gap project and Digital ASEAN project.
• HorasiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAs a member of the Horasis Visionary Circle, QI Group participates in vital global discussions throughout the year to advance solutions to critical challenges facing society. Horasis is a visions community exploring sustainable growth trajectories for companies dreaming of growing into global organisations.
• ConcordiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAs a patron member of Concordia, QI Group contributes to advancing sustainable development goals through global discussions and partnership with extensive network of global leaders. Concordia facilitates cross-sector collaboration for social impact.
• Kingsley Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific (KSI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAs a strategic partner, QI Group works with business leaders and policymakers in ASEAN region to advance sustainable development agendas and catalyse actions for economically and socially sustainable and inclusive ASEAN.
• UN Global CompactcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerQI is proud to be a signatory of the UN Global Compact since 2015. Committed to upholding ten principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals through core business activities, social investments and advocacy efforts.
• Pintar FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Pintar Foundation on Maharani School Programme (MSP) - a curated curriculum guiding girls in selected Malaysian national schools towards setting life goals and shaping their future.
• Amanie Advisors Sdn BhdminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerServed as Shariah Adviser for the RM300 million ASEAN Sustainability SRI Sukuk Programme structured on Murabahah via Tawarruq.
• RAM RatingsminorOthersAssigned AAA(s) credit rating, the highest investment-grade rating on the RAM scale, to Kami Builders' RM90 million Tranche 1 SRI Sukuk Murabahah. RAM Sustainability also accorded SILVER Sustainable Finance Rating to ASEAN Sustainability SRI Sukuk Framework.
• RYTHM Foundation PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner113+ global partners since 2005 who have collaborated on up to 115 strategic projects focused on sustainable community development globally. Initiatives include Taarana school for children with special needs and Maharani programme for girls.
• Masuka Bina Sdn. Bhd.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAppointed main contractor for QIU campus project in Gunung Lang, Ipoh. Subsidiary of Hunza Properties Berhad.
• Hunza Properties BerhadminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThrough subsidiary Masuka Bina, Hunza Properties is the appointed main contractor for the QIU new campus development. Dato' Khor Teng Tong serves as Hunza Group Adviser.
• ARXminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAppointed Development Manager and Project Manager for QIU new campus development.
• Ong & Ong 360 Consultancy Sdn. Bhd.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitectural design services led by Ong & Ong 360 Consultancy for the QIU new campus project.

Scale indicators25 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Amway: Largest direct-selling company globally, operating the same MLM/affiliate-partner distribution model as QNET across health, beauty and household products, with similar reliance on independent distributors and global reach.
• Herbalife: Public direct-selling company focused on health, wellness and nutrition products, using a global distributor network. Closely comparable to QNET's wellness-led, emerging-market-driven direct selling business model.
• Nu Skin Enterprises: Direct seller of premium personal care and nutritional products through independent sales representatives in Asia and globally. Overlaps with QNET's wellness, lifestyle and anti-ageing catalogue and compensation plan structure.
• Tupperware Brands: Iconic party-plan and person-to-person direct-selling brand that has recently restructured. Uses a comparable distributor commission model to QNET, demonstrating the structural and cyclical risks of the channel.
• Avon Products: Historical global direct-selling leader in beauty and personal care with a representative-based model that mirrors QNET's distributor-led go-to-market, especially across emerging markets.
• Mary Kay: Privately held beauty direct-selling company with a global independent sales force. Comparable to QNET in leveraging a multi-level commission structure to distribute lifestyle and personal-care products.
• Oriflame Holding: Swedish-origin direct seller of cosmetics and wellness products with strong Asia and emerging-market presence, structurally similar to QNET's distributor model and product mix.
• Vorwerk (Thermomix): Family-owned direct-sales group selling premium lifestyle products through independent advisors. Similar model to QNET's high-touch, relationship-based selling of higher-priced consumer goods across multiple regions.

Regional players

• DXN Holdings: Malaysian-listed health and wellness MLM that shares QNET's Southeast Asian roots, ganoderma-based supplement catalogue and direct-selling compensation model, making it an obvious regional peer.
• Best World International: Singapore-based direct-selling and lifestyle products company with a multi-level distribution model across Asia. Comparable to QNET in scale, geography and premium wellness positioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

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Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about QI Group of Companies