When 2,000 employees from nearly 50 nationalities unite in purpose, the impact reverberates across continents. In offices and communities across 20 countries, QI Group employees have transformed a simple idea into a powerful force for social change. Through the Employee Community Impact program, they’ve contributed more than 120,000 hours of service since 2013, turning corporate values into tangible community benefits.
The program springs from the philosophy of RYTHM (Raise Yourself To Help Mankind), that serves as the guiding principle for the QI Group. Based on this philosophy, employees are encouraged to volunteer for local causes in their community. They participate in initiatives that range from environmental conservation to youth education, creating unique solutions for local challenges.
Where Is QI Group Headquarters?
Headquartered in Hong Kong and with a regional green-certified operational hub in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, the QI Group operates across various sectors and is committed to innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility.
The QI Group’s engagement with global economic transformation extends to its participation in the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. One session, “Planetary Health Check,” explored the critical link between corporate actions and environmental well-being. The company’s partnership with WEF aligns with its multifaceted approach to business development, participating in crucial discussions on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.
QI Group’s transformation of corporate volunteerism into measurable social impact stems from its four foundational values: integrity, service, sustainability, and leadership. These principles guide initiatives from global reforestation to educational empowerment, creating a blueprint for corporate social responsibility that transcends traditional philanthropy.
“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 12 hours in a calendar year to volunteering for social causes in their local communities and the response has been amazing.”
He continues, “We see the results in both tangible and intangible ways. 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. Our employees look forward to it and we provide them with a rewarding, engaging, meaningful experience fulfilling their need to be part of something that is bigger than themselves.”
In Which Countries Does the QI Group Operate?
Starting in the Far East, the company established a strong presence in Hong Kong and in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where its operational HQ is housed. It has extended its reach into South Asia. The company also began operations in the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia, before venturing into the diverse markets of sub-Saharan Africa. The company’s growth trajectory is a result of its forward-thinking approach to global expansion.
The RYTHM Foundation, the company’s social impact initiative, comprises partnerships with over 100 grassroots organizations across 30 cities. Under chairperson Umayal Eswaran’s leadership, the foundation channels 10% of company revenues into three critical areas aligned with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals: educational access for children with special needs and in rural areas, economic empowerment for women, and sustainable rural development.
The company’s environmental commitment materialized in the 2021 Green Legacy program, resulting in 25,000 trees planted across 10 countries with various environmental partners.
Building Bridges Between Business and Community Impact
Quest International University in Perak, Malaysia, is the company’s educational vision in action. Since 2011, QIU has welcomed 15,000 students from 50 countries, creating an international learning hub. The university’s expansion, supported by a $21.48 million (100 million Malaysian ringgit) Sukuk Ijarah program, marks the company’s strategic entry into Malaysia’s capital markets.
The workforce demographics tell a story of diversity in action: employees ranging from 19 to 65 years old, with 47% women representation, bring varied perspectives to community service. It offers long-term stability, with many employees having served for over 20 years, while collectively, the workforce represents speakers of more than 50 languages.
QI Group Executive Chairman Vijay Eswaran’s philosophy of turning employees into valuable stakeholders has created a corporate culture where community service becomes part of professional identity. The QI Group’s model is an example of how when companies invest in community welfare, the result is better neighborhoods and stronger global business networks.
