1.
CONTENTS
03-04
THE QI STORY
05-06
LEADERSHIP
07-08
GUIDING VALUES
09-12
BUSINESS LINES
13-20
RECENT INVESTMENTS
21-24
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
25-32
BUILDING A GLOBAL BRAND
Showcasing Creativity
Nurturing Champions
Entertaining Asia
33-43
CORPORATE HEARTBEAT
RYTHM Foundation
Vijayaratnam Foundation

2.
QI’s newly acquired
headquarters in Malaysia.
THE QI STORY
1998 was a time of
speculative optimism.
It was the year when Southeast Asia was christened as one of the world’s
thriving economic centres. And yet, barely a year later, it was embroiled in one
of the worst and most uncertain financial crises it had ever encountered.
At the same time, the dot com bubble was in decline. The economic meltdown
caused an alarming number of failures in the e-commerce industry. There could
be only a few winners in each sector, and even the largest companies suffered.
But in spite of the turmoil, QI was born, due to great perseverance, foresight,
rational thinking and determination.
Using e-commerce, with the Internet as its main business thrust, QI delivered its
diverse range of products and services to customers at every corner of the globe.
Today, the QI Group has grown into a multinational conglomerate with six key
business lines — telecommunications, lifestyle and leisure, luxury and collectibles,
QI Headquarters at Bank of
training and conference management, property development and a global retail China Tower in Hong Kong.
& direct sales business.
Our subsidiaries can be found in over 30 countries with key regional offices in
Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.
These achievements are a reflection of the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of
a resourceful, multi-cultural team led by a global board of directors schooled in
solid economic fundamentals.
But we believe that this is just the beginning. The constantly evolving group is
expanding organically with strategic investments, creating high-quality interrelated
ventures, products and services worldwide.
And as we move ahead into the future, it is our vision to keep on growing, no
matter what the odds. Just as our journey began in 1998, we know — the road
tomorrow may be uncertain, but with spirit and determination, we can achieve
all that we dream of today.
3 4

3.
LEADERSHIP Vijay Eswaran
Executive Chairman
Joseph Bismark
Group Managing Director
QI Group of Companies QI Group of Companies
Vijay Eswaran, the Executive Chairman of the QI Group Joseph Bismark, the Managing Director of the QI Group is a
of Companies, is a man of multiple talents: a visionary talented, dynamic and versatile leader, who lives by the adage
entrepreneur, a talented author, and a renowned speaker. “everyone has the potential to do extraordinary things.”
Upon completing his higher education He is also the author of the best-selling His life’s journey commenced rather unconventionally, when at the age of nine,
in the United Kingdom and the United book, In The Sphere Of Silence, which he left home to live in an ashram in the mountains of the Philippines until he was 17.
States of America, Eswaran worked in encapsulates his personal philosophy in Since then, Bismark has actively pursued an innate thirst for knowledge, and
several blue-chip companies in Europe, attaining a fine balance between success excelled in his various interests as a vedic philosopher, yoga instructor, bonsai
Canada, Australia, and the U.S. before and individual fulfilment. His most master, tai chi coach, a classical musician and even a martial arts exponent.
returning to Asia in the early 1990s. He recent book, In The Thinking Zone, is a
started a business venture with a small collection of his thoughts and reflections A founding director of the QI Group, Bismark assumed the role of Group Managing
group of partners that soon transformed through a series of quotations aimed at Director in December 2008. His open and consultative management style is anchored
itself into the multimillion-dollar global helping readers adopt a healthy attitude around the tenets of his vedic philosophies.
conglomerate, the QI Group. The in dealing with day-to-day situations.
multicultural organisation achieved A philanthropist at heart, Bismark is also a firm believer in spiritual growth acquired
spectacular growth in its first decade Eswaran divides his time between Hong through meaningful service to humankind and devotes a significant part of his time
spearheaded by his consensus-driven Kong, Malaysia, London, and Sydney and to the activities of RYTHM Foundation - the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of
management style. provides strategic direction for the QI the QI Group.
Group’s growth and global expansion.
Eswaran is also a highly respected and Bismark is currently based in Singapore, from where he oversees the QI Group’s
much in-demand motivational speaker To learn more about him and to business operations.
who is well versed in subjects that read his blog, please visit his website
range from spirituality, leadership and www.vijayeswaran.com To share his musings and reflections on life, visit his blog at www.gemsofwisdom.com
business innovation to economic affairs.
His repertoire includes speeches at
the Commonwealth Business Forum
at CHOGM 2007 in Uganda, the Global
Entrepreneur Summit in Singapore, the
International Business and Leadership
Symposium in Brussels, and Pravasi
Bharatiya Divas, the global Indian
Diaspora meet in India.
5 6

4.
GUIDING VALUES
In 1998, the QI Group was born from a diverse group of people
of different nationalities and cultures united by a vision. It was a
vision to create something that would change the lives of people
everywhere. And in spite of their diversity, a common value system
held them together and guided their road ahead.
At the core of this unity was the inspiration of one man. A man whose teachings the
founding team unanimously admired. A man whose teachings changed an entire generation,
long before technology turned the world into a global village. That man was no other than
the great Mahatma Gandhi.
He had inspired a new generation of leaders, from Martin Luther King to Mandela to Aung
San Suu Kyi. So perhaps it was apt that the four pillars of QI Group are derived from his
teachings.
Truth, Service, Care and Raising Oneself lies at the heart of all that we do. Inspired by
Gandhi, they are meddled into the mettle of leadership that is being built at QI.
TRUTH
We believe that the first thing people should care to know Care, as per Gandhi’s teachings, is not just limited to fellow
is the truth about themselves. Only then can they have the human beings. His concept of ahimsa can mean non-violence
desire to change. This value translates itself into our but in a broader sense, it also means that all life is sacred.
training programmes, literature and all our communication.
We also constantly attempt to set higher standards of the At QI, we embrace this teaching by practicing vegetarianism,
application of truth in all that we do. just as Gandhi did. But it is more than just a food choice,
lifestyle statement or health preference. It is our statement
SERVICE that all Life is Sacred.
The second pillar is a fundamental value weaved into the
fabric of our organisation. In-Service is a tagline inculcated RYTHM
into all our companies and departments, all the way to It stands for Raise Yourself To Help Mankind and is the most
customer service. It is a statement of pride, as we believe important pillar and mission of the QI Group. In all its forms,
that it is more than just a philosophy. It is a value that lives RYTHM is about recreating the message of Gandhi. It is our
constantly at every moment of all our lives. corporate heartbeat that fuels our growth and it defines the
purpose of our existence. Most of all, it continuously propels
CARE us towards higher goals.
This value takes life in the form of the RYTHM Foundation.
We care for the communities where we live, operate and do These core values are the pillars that hold the QI Group
business in. We work hand in hand with local communities — together and help it flourish. It brings us together, regardless of
setting up free hospitals, providing medical care, homes for language, culture, creed or stature. It gives us a common goal
the underprivileged, shelters for women or even ground — to achieve RYTHM. It’s the special magic that we attribute to
support during disasters. Mahatma Gandhi. And at QI, this special magic has perpetually
weaved its own brand of miracles amongst everyone in our family.
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5.
Luxury and Collectibles
Qatana is QI’s luxury and collectibles division that has a
BUSINESS LINES
collection of brands considered to be the world’s best-kept
secrets in terms of product excellence and artisanship.
For example, CIMIER® timepieces are known for their
technology and handcrafted designs. Meanwhile, CHAIROS®
watches are renowned for their fashionable, sporty designs
that complement a modern lifestyle.
Other brands include Bernhard H. Mayer®, specialising
in manufacturing high-quality jewellery and timepieces
for a discerning clientele. JR Mayer Collections® is
internationally recognised as one of the world’s leading
numismatic companies, minting an exclusive range of
coins and medallions.
Armed with foresight, innovation and a collection of
prestigious brands, Qatana is poised to make a lasting
impression in the luxury goods sector. Telecommunications
Following the acquisition of an independent UK-based
telecommunications provider, QI has positioned itself
strategically to penetrate the European telecom industry.
Our investment provides end-to-end services tailored
to meet the requirements of international
telecommunications network operators and enterprises.
These include systems integration, engineering services
and advanced telco solutions.
The team’s industry knowledge of new and emerging
technologies plus its competitive rates will go a long way
towards strengthening our presence in this area.
Lifestyle and Leisure Direct Selling - E-commerce
QI’s lifestyle division embraces the concept of living life to Which is why Q Lifestyle offers a wide range of services Direct selling is a key business of the Group. Operating on
the fullest. We believe that work and play should co-exist, such as vacation club memberships, hotels and holiday an e-commerce platform, we provide customers with a
and good times spent together can bring both family and resorts, spas and wellness centres, leisure travel, and diverse range of products and services that help them build an
friends closer. entertainment. They all provide opportunities for people to innovative and self-efficient business.
relax, unwind and have a good time.
QuestNet is our flagship subsidiary with a network marketing
business model that supports Independent Representatives
Training and Conference (IRs) and retail customers with a structured training
Management programme, marketing seminars and conferences. We arm
them with essential tools to facilitate a start-up business.
The V is QI’s training arm that consists
of a professional team of trainers Today, we have more than five million IRS and retail
offering customised training and customers operating globally. Property Development
support to international entrepreneurs
through global marketing events, From luxury villas to holiday resorts and hotels, QI is also
network management and development aggressively investing in property development.
programmes.
Our team works closely with prominent architects and
The V’s flagship event is the V-Convention. development consultants. This venture has enabled us to
The largest global event within the begin work in developing high-end residential properties
Group, it converges participants from targeted at discerning investors and homeowners.
over 30 countries for an intense
four-day training programme. Today, the fruits of this labour can be found in the Group’s
flagship development, a 167-acre luxury resort nestled in
To date, The V has organised 12 highly Kuala Rompin in Peninsular Malaysia.
successful V-Conventions in various
East African and Asian capitals.
Smaller scale regional conventions
are organised at least once a month
in different parts of the world.
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6.
RECENT INVESTMENTS
At QI, we believe that growing is an essential
part of existing. Which is why we are constantly
expanding organically into various new segments
through strategic investments around the world.
QI Asset Management is the mergers and
acquisitions arm of the QI Group. It serves the
financial needs of the group’s subsidiaries and
explores new business opportunities for the
group locally and internationally. QI Asset
Management also provides the group’s newly
established companies with a broad range of
financial services specially tailored to their
needs, including business loans, credit, and
financial management.
Luxury Timepiece Manufacturing
When QI acquired CIMIER®, an 85-year old watch manufacturer
based in Zug, Switzerland, the acquisition facilitated the full
cycle of in-house design of its luxury timepieces, including other
exclusive brands in the stable – Bernhard H. Mayer®, CHAIROS®,
and the coin timepiece series produced under the JR Mayer
Collections® label.
QI’s luxury timepiece manufacturing division adopts an integrated
production flow management under the strict supervision of
skilled artisans. Each timepiece offers the best in performance
and value for future generations.
13 14

7.
RECENT INVESTMENTS
Lifestyle Hotels and Resorts
Lifestyle Resort in Thailand
QI recently renovated a five-star resort rechristened as Prana
Resorts & Spa, a multimillion-dollar investment in one of
Thailand’s most popular holiday destinations, Koh Samui.
QI’s newest jewel in the crown is the world’s first international
hotel chain to embrace vegetarianism and is also home to a
world-class, all-vegetarian restaurant, Amala Restaurant.
The resort also houses the Amezcua Wellness Centre, a QI
subsidiary and award-winning health spa. The environmentally-
conscious resort runs on solar power with green conservation
programmes that revolve around the practice and ideology of
wellness from within.
Travel Agency
The launch of Bonvo Travel heralded a new beginning for QI
in the travel, resort and vacation industry.
Bonvo Travel is a premier, full-fledged travel agency that
provides comprehensive and personalised travel services.
Registered with the Singapore Tourism Board, Bonvo’s three
divisions include Bonvo Corporate, Bonvo Conferences and
Bonvo Channel Sales, which involves the distribution of travel
products through reward and redemption programmes.
Beach Resort Suites in Patong, Thailand
QI has invested in a number of suites within the Patong
Tower Condominium in Thailand’s vibrant beachside holiday
destination, Patong. The investment allows thousands of
members of the company’s subsidiary, QVI Club, to embrace
the idyllic beach playground with access to luxury rooms in
one of the few high-rise resorts in Patong.
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8.
RECENT INVESTMENTS RECENT INVESTMENTS
Eco Tourism in Malaysia
With expertise in the leisure and hospitality industry,
QI has now embarked on its most ambitious project:
a 167-acre luxury resort in Kuala Rompin. The planned
resort, costing an estimated US$28.1 million, is
designed to allow visitors to appreciate Kuala Rompin’s
natural beauty.
The resort, featuring a combination of beachfront
villas and bungalows, is advantageously planned Wellness Health Spas
to promote eco-tourism. Phase One of the project
will see the development of 14 acres of the property The Amezcua Wellness Centre was born with the aim
housing 200 rooms, cluster villas, and a spa managed of directing QI’s already strong standing in the wellness
by QI’s Amezcua Wellness Centre. Other attractions industry into a luxury chain of health spas.
planned include an infinity pool facing the South
China Sea and a beautiful scenic view of the river Every Amezcua Wellness Centre offers a comprehensive
water flowing from the 200 million-year old Rompin approach to health care, combining integrative screening
Forest Reserve. procedures, wellness therapies, spa treatments and
fitness activities.
The development of the health spas has proved to be
highly fruitful, with phenomenal growth that has garnered
accolades, namely two consecutive nominations as
Medi-Spa of the Year in the Baccarat AsiaSpa Awards
2008 and 2007, where Amezcua shares top billing with the
region’s finest players in the industry.
Such recognition has come with commendations for
Amezcua’s implementation of high quality standards and
innovation, unique business concept, the use of purely
natural ingredients and treatments and service excellence.
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9.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Member of Commonwealth Business Council
The QI Group is a member of the Commonwealth
Business Council (CBC). The CBC provides leadership
in increasing international trade and investment
flow, creating new business opportunities,
promoting good governance and corporate social
responsibility. It helps integrate developing
countries into the global market and is the voice
of the private sector in the commonwealth and
beyond. It plays a crucial role in bridging the gap
between the public and private sector, small
and large businesses, and developed and
developing markets.
Mr Richard Zinkiewicz, Director of
International Operations, and Mr Vijay
Eswaran, Executive Chairman,
presenting the CHOGM Medallion to
President Museveni of Uganda.
Based in London, it has an extensive rapport The extensive range of international
with the 53 Commonwealth governments, conferences, forums, special receptions
giving members a unique opportunity for and focused working groups give ample
dialogue with these governments. It has opportunity for members to discuss issues
been working with governments and the of common interest. QI joins other illustrious
private sector to stimulate the investment CBC members such as Standard Chartered
climate, contributing to some impressive Bank, MTN Group, Coca-Cola, Virgin Atlantic
economic growth achievements. and more.
21 22

10.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
East Africa International Business Forum The Arab-Americas-Asia-
With its expanding business investments in Africa, QI sponsored
Africa Business Summit
the East Africa International Business Forum (EAIBF)
The Arab-Americas-Asia-Africa (AAAA) Business Summit
2008 organised by the Commonwealth Business Council in
examines the role of South-South Cooperation for Greater
association with the Government of the Republic of Rwanda.
Economic Growth.
The EAIBF provided various Heads of Government, senior
Amidst the global financial crisis, the 2009 Summit in Dubai
ministers and prominent business leaders from all over the
addressed the role of new economic factors in emerging
world with networking opportunities and active participation
economies in driving development and wealth creation.
in various round-table sessions.
QI was the Principal Sponsor of the summit. Some key topics
QI was acknowledged and recognised as a potential investor,
included how emerging nations can increase investment
alongside other international investors from the United
inflows, trade and capacity in sectors that allow them to
States, Germany and France, in assisting to improve the
create a sustainable competitive advantage. It also addressed
investment climate in East Africa.
Commonwealth Heads of Government the subject of financing for infrastructure development,
as well as resource mobilisation, managing food price rises
Meeting (CHOGM) and the role of businesses in supporting the United Nations
Millennium Development Goals (MDGS) Call to Action.
CHOGM is the summit featuring heads of government from
all Commonwealth nations. It meets every two years to With the current economic crunch and realignment of the
discuss matters of common interest, development policies, axis of power, the third world is indeed coming into its own.
and advance initiatives to benefit the Commonwealth’s Hence, South-South cooperation is more significant than it
miscellaneous membership. has ever been. As a global company based out of Asia,
with key markets in Middle East and Africa, QI’s support of
In 2007, QuestNet was accredited by CHOGM as a partner for the AAAA Summit is in line with its strategic vision.
the summit’s commemorative medallion programme and as
a Forum sponsor at the Commonwealth Business Forum.
The forum focused on the African continent as a burgeoning
B.H. Mayer’s Mint in Germany
Commonwealth investment destination. The positive
environment for networking and the support of African The Mayer Mint is a private master mint founded by Bernard
leaders encouraged QI to become one of the first foreign Mr Vijay Eswaran, Executive Chairman
H. Mayer in Pforzheim, Germany in 1871. B.H. Mayer had
investors to expand its business services in Africa. with President Paul Kagame of Rwanda. dedicated his time to collecting knowledge in minting,
precious metals and production, later using it to develop
Mayer Mint’s reputation as “Europe’s Finest Privately Owned
Mint”. It was even the official manufacturer of medallions for
the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games.
Today, it boasts 5 generations of experience in the gold
related industry and the manufacturing of exquisite jewellery
and timepieces.
QI has a strategic partnership with B.H Mayer’s Mint and has
Director of Investment Management, produced coin programmes for institutions such as the Food
Mr Kuna Senathirajah with President and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the
Paul Kagame of Rwanda, at EAIBF.
Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan and the Central Bank of
Oman, among others.
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11.
BUILDING A GLOBAL BRAND
Ambition is the tool that all leaders use to lead others to excel.
Business is a very human endeavour. Innovative business leaders
recognise that successful brands are built by people – creative
employees, loyal customers and committed partnerships.
With optimism and a carefully constructed business plan, QI set
the stage globally by shaping its profile pragmatically. The game
plan – feed the entrepreneurial calling of individuals with a solid
support system – was a win-win proposition.
QI, which literally translated from Taoism means “energy of life,” fosters a positive
corporate image by investing in meaningful socio-civic projects and sponsorship
programmes collaboratively with international organisations.
Today, QI supports a multitude of successful business ventures with a single-minded
vision: To champion a global village of entrepreneurs with proper guidance, counsel,
training, support and patronage.
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12.
BUILDING A GLOBAL BRAND
SHOWCASING CREATIVITY
International Timepiece Exhibitions
Entrepreneurial companies like QI often maintain a diversified portfolio of assets and enjoy
profitable and synergistic relationships that complement the business as a whole.
Since 2006, QI has attended Baselworld in Switzerland. Which is commonly
acknowledged as the top-ranked timepiece trade show and birthplace of new trends,
attracting the finest luxury timepiece manufacturers.
When the company unveiled its newest acquisition, Swiss timepiece brand CIMIER®,
at Baselworld 2008, it was accorded luxury status. CIMIER® distinguished itself with a
stellar collection of ladies’ timepieces and its exclusive Seven Seas collection.
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13.
BUILDING A GLOBAL BRAND
International Coin Exhibitions
QI’s strategic partnership with B.H. Mayer’s Mint in Germany
expanded business opportunities for both companies on a
global scale.
The ability to control, monitor and maintain the highest levels
of manufacturing excellence has seen QI’s numismatic
company, JR Mayer Collections®, displaying fine quality coins
and medallions in major coin exhibitions around the world to
much acclaim.
QI representatives unfailingly attend the World’s Fair of
Money coordinated by the American Numismatic Association
(ANA). And over the years, QI has exhibited its exquisite coin
collection at numerous events:
1999 – Present
World’s Fair of Money, American Numismatic Association
(ANA) Congress, USA
1999
Beijing Numismatic Coin Congress
2000
Basel Coin Convention, Switzerland
Guangzhou Numismatic Coin Congress, China
2001
Asian Coin Convention, Singapore
2002
Kuala Lumpur Money Fair, Malaysia
2003
17th Singapore International Coin Show, Singapore
Singapore Collectible Fair, Singapore
2004
Beijing International Coin Exposition, China
2006
World Money Fair Berlin, Germany
2007
World Money Fair Berlin, Germany
Beijing International Coin Exposition, China
2008
World Money Fair Berlin, Germany
Beijing International Coin Exposition, China
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14.
BUILDING A GLOBAL BRAND
Tun Abdullah Badawi, former Prime
Minister of Malaysia, and Mr Kuna
Senathirajah, Director of Investment
Management, officiating a GP2 event.
ENTERTAINING ASIA
NURTURING CHAMPIONS Disney On Ice
Since 2005, QI has been bringing the popular Disney princesses are fulfilled. QI has also invested in promoting local
Team QI-Meritus QI-IBF highly popular Disney On Ice (DOI) shows Each Disney production is an unforgettable artists in various countries, including a
to Asia, transporting children and event, with its high-energy music, concert headlined by up-and-coming
If the science of building a brand is an art, then motor racing QI’s pledge to help build champions was also extended to families to magical landscapes with glittering sets and dramatic choreography. Iranian artists at the Iranian New Year
is a spectacle of sight, speed and sound that can propel a badminton. QI’s title sponsorship of the Badminton World The Lion King, Cinderella, Peter Pan celebrations in Dubai in 2007.
brand to greater heights. Championships held in Birmingham, England, in 2003 and and The Little Mermaid. Holiday On Ice
in Madrid, Spain, in 2006 capitalised on the company’s Shaolin Warriors
QI pursued motor sports with a resolute mission: To promote commitment to the pursuit of excellence. In 2009, QI continued its relationship Charged with the success of Disney On Ice,
the QI brand globally. In 2006, QI allied itself with the with DOI with the spectacular Princess QI presented the world’s undisputed leader
Malaysian-based Team Meritus to become its title sponsor. It affirmed our belief in empowering individuals by creating Wishes series that beautifully recreates in ice entertainment, Holiday On Ice.
A year later, QI sponsored Team Meritus for the Formula BMW opportunities for athletes and encouraging the spirit of the moments when the wishes of seven For more than 60 years, Holiday On Ice
Pacific series under the team’s new official name: QI-Meritus. camaraderie and friendly rivalry. has captivated audiences around the
world. The show, reputedly the world’s
In 2008, new drivers joined Team QI-Meritus.Mahara (the sole largest touring live entertainment
full-fledged Asian team) for the GP2 Series in Asia and the Samba in Switzerland
production, averages a tour of 110 cities
Middle East. GP2, commonly referred to as the training ground across 20 countries annually.
to F1, opened its second season in Shanghai before moving Once every four years, the whole world engages in a show
to Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar and Malaysia. like no other — the FIFA World Cup™. In 2006, QI got into the
action by sponsoring the “Samba in Switzerland” football camp And in 2005, appreciative audiences QI’s crowning glory in the performing arts
for the Brazilian world football championship team. in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, was its 2006 sponsorship of the Shaolin
Singapore, and Hong Kong were treated Warriors’ debut in Hong Kong. Shaolin
The football camp served as a resource in improving the game to a breathtaking show after a 17-year Warriors is a theatrical performance
at grassroots level with underprivileged young and aspiring hiatus in Asia. based on the lives of Shaolin monks.
footballers. The sponsorship also coincided with QI’s launch The show covered a remarkable Kung Fu
Mr JR Mayer, Director of Business Development,
activities in the Brazilian market. presenting an exclusive Bernhard H. Mayer® watch International Concerts display, the Buddhist meditation custom
to Hip Hop superstar Akon in Malaysia. and martial arts training during the
Rap and rock and business? QI’s venture coldest and hottest times of the year.
into music concert sponsorship is part of
a larger investment to raise awareness The Shaolin Warriors toured from 2000 to
of its various business entities and to 2004 and earned rave reviews in China,
transition its corporate profile to a young Australia, North America and New Zealand.
generation of future entrepreneurs. Audiences were delighted with their
acrobatic skills and came away with a
In 2007, QuestNet sponsored the better understanding of the doctrines of
Malaysian leg of rap superstar Akon’s the “Unity of Zen and Martial Arts.”
Mr Vijay Eswaran, Executive Chairman,
presenting soccer superstar Ronaldinho
concert. And in 2008, the baby boomer
with an exclusive watch from the generation was treated to a concert by
Bernhard H. Mayer® collection. multiple Grammy Award-winning Toto,
in conjunction with the Formula One
season.
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15.
CORPORATE HEARTBEAT
Since its inception, philanthropy has been part of QI’s DNA, and the The aim of the RYTHM Foundation is to
contribute to the sustainable economic
As an inherent part of its corporate
policy, QI also practices and promotes
concept of RYTHM (Raise Yourself To Help Mankind) is the guiding development of communities and
help improve people’s quality of life.
vegetarianism as a means to raising
awareness of the benefits of a healthy
principle in all that we do. It is not merely about implementing a
platform, but more critically, it is about
vegetarian diet. Vegetarian meals are
served at all QI corporate events and
demonstrating impact, measuring it and functions.
communicating an evocative message.
After years of providing aid and donations to worthwhile causes,
QI works in alliance with a number of
QI established the RYTHM Foundation to serve as the company’s international institutions, foundations
and socio-civic groups such as the
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm. Soedirman Hospital in Indonesia, the
World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth, the
Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship
International and the Food and Agriculture
Fondly referred to as QI’s ‘corporate heartbeat’, RYTHM Foundation Organisation of the United Nations.
is the enabler of the Group’s charitable endeavours and represents
QI’s spirit, compassion and dedication to serving the communities in
which it operates around the world.
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16.
Projects in the Philippines
When typhoons ruined parts of Luzon, the RYTHM Foundation
was among the first to respond. PHP 1 million was donated to
the ABS-CBN Foundation for its ‘Sagip Kapamilya’ project as
relief aid for 75,000 families in 88 areas in the affected regions.
To meet societal needs, the Foundation, through its global
technology subsidiary Quest Technologies, also raised funds
for schoolchildren in Mindanao. It sponsored the ‘Gitara, Lapis,
Atbp’ project, an educational campaign to send impoverished
children to elementary school, spearheaded by the Philippines
RYTHM (Raise Yourself To Help Mankind) is Business For Social Progress.
the driving force that propels QI. The RYTHM The Foundation’s donation and financial aid from private
donors also enabled us to improve the academic performance
Foundation is a charitable trust registered in of children in The Taguig Project which supported 60 children
to attend non-profit private schools with full scholarships.
Hong Kong designed to serve as a code of belief
The project focused on supporting the development of schools
that transcends every strata of the company. towards self-sustainability, alleviating poverty of the squatter
The Foundation works in concert with a wide cross-section community, enhancing community-building initiatives and
of partners — governments, charity foundations, the private improving health needs of the Taguig community in Metro Manila.
The focus of RYTHM Foundation spreads sector and non-profit organisations — in accelerating the
across four key concerns: momentum, scale and sustainability of change. In critical
situations, it acts as a catalyst between generous partners
• The promotion of education. and the underprivileged.
• The reduction and ultimately, elimination of poverty.
• Protection and care for the environment. The Hong Kong Council of Social Services (HKCSS) recently
• Providing disaster relief. awarded RYTHM Foundation the Caring Company Logo for the
third consecutive year. The award is given to Hong Kong-based
companies in appreciation of the initiatives demonstrating
good corporate citizenship.
The scope of assistance, support and rehabilitation Support for the African Nation of Uganda
administered by RYTHM Foundation goes beyond merely
signing cheques. The Foundation members live and breathe RYTHM Foundation recently made three separate donations to
their responsibility to mankind. three worthy charity organisations of the Republic of Uganda,
totalling USD 30,000.
For example, the Foundation’s manager lives within the
Philippine squatter community of Taguig to help oversee the
ongoing work of RYTHM Foundation within the community,
administering free nutritious meals, providing education and
ensuring the sustainability of the community. Plus, all QI
subsidiaries engage in routine charitable initiatives, in which
employees give to the needy of their own community, visit
charities and bring necessities and joy.
The RYTHM Foundation has undertaken numerous projects
and initiatives all over the world.
Mr Vijay Eswaran, Executive Chairman, presenting a token to Her Majesty Queen
Sylvia Nagginda of Buganda
The donations were the beginning of an ongoing commitment
to improve the lives of Africans and assist the continent’s
development.
The three charities to benefit from the donations were Her
Majesty Queen Sylvia Nagginda of Buganda’s Nnabagereka
Development Trust Foundation; Her Excellency, Mrs Janet
Museveni, the First Lady of Uganda’s UWESO (Ugandan
Women’s Effort to Save Orphans) Foundation; and ‘Think Tank’
of the Makerere University Private Sector Forum, under the
patronage of Governor Emmanuel Mutebile of Bank of Uganda.
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17.
RYTHM FOUNDATION
Helping to spread goodness in Sri Lanka
The Foundation is a supporter of the Foundation of Goodness in Sri Lanka, which works in
the region in and around the village of Seenigama, a two-hour drive from Colombo. In 2004,
the tsunami deluged the village and since then, The Foundation has been working with local
supporters to rebuild the region.
In 2009, the Foundation also partnered with the Foundation
of Goodness in sponsoring the Village Heartbeat project. The
project aims to address the key areas of need in the rural
community. These include learning English, computer training,
libraries, women’s enterprise, youth developments, children’s
goodness clubs and a cottage for volunteers who are willing to
share their expertise and help develop the village.
The Foundation has since made a significant donation towards
this community and also the 30 sectors currently serving 20,000
beneficiaries from 25 villages in the Seenigama region.
Projects in India Support in Vietnam and Cambodia
Through integrated partnerships with philanthropic institutions
Support for Autistic Children in Hong Kong and QI’s Indian subsidiary, QuestNet India, RYTHM Foundation
supports various charities in India. This includes the Sivasakthi
RYTHM Foundation’s long-term association with the Rainbow Home for Mentally Challenged Children in Chennai. The Foundation
Project in Hong Kong has helped the special education needs also administers annual fundraising events in aid of the Home.
of autistic children.
Most recently, RYTHM Foundation supported UNICEF’s commitment
A team from QuestNet, under the auspices of the Foundation, in helping the victims and survivors of the 2008 fatal floods in
participates in Rainbow Trek, the 25km fundraising walk along North Bihar (India). The enormity of the devastation is ongoing,
the trail starting from the famous Hong Kong Peak. In 2006, with almost 4.57 million people displaced and infrastructure
HKD 50,000 was raised by the Foundation. destroyed. Long-term and sustainable action is crucial to the
flood-ravaged community.
The Foundation has also raised funds for a new classroom
for autistic children at Island School. More recently, it also Hence, RYTHM Foundation’s Trustee personally met with
donated to the Rainbow Project for a new classroom at a representatives of UNICEF Bihar to present USD 30,000 in
secondary school in the New Territories. support of its emergency programmes. Presently, the Foundation
also continues to work with UNICEF towards similar relief and
support programmes in the state. Mr Joseph Bismark, Group Managing Director, and Ms Donna Imson, Director of Network
Affairs, presenting a cheque to First Lady Madam Bunrani Hun Sen of Cambodia.
In 2005, the RYTHM Foundation made a cash donation to the First
Secretary of the Social Republic of Vietnam in Cambodia and the
President of the Vietnamese Association based in Cambodia.
The donation was in support of more than 200 Vietnamese and
Cambodian families who had lost their homes and properties in a
Mr Richard Zinkiewicz, Director of bushfire in the outskirts of Phnom Penh.
International Operations, (left photo)
and Ms Donna Imson, Director of
Network Affairs and RYTHM Foundation The Foundation’s trustees also presented a cheque to First Lady
Trustee, (right photo) supporting the Madam Bunrani Hun Sen, the Chairperson of the Red Cross in
children of the Rainbow Project. Mr Bernhard H. Mayer, RYTHM Mr Magandran Rajadurai, Director of
Foundation Trustee, presenting a Finance And Administration, presenting a
Cambodia, for projects undertaken by the voluntary organisation
cheque to UNICEF. wheelchair at a Blood Donation Camp. in rural Cambodia.
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18.
RYTHM FOUNDATION
Tsunami Rehabilitation in Southeast Asia Earthquake Relief in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
When an earthquake hit central Java in 2006, the Foundation
let its actions do the talking. Volunteers were sent to Yogyakarta
to set up relief camps and provide victims with food, blankets,
medical supplies and essentials. It also made a donation to
the Sultan of Yogyakarta for rehabilitation projects.
Partnerships with World Vision
A pledge to young ones Aiding typhoon victims in The Philippines
One of QI Group’s underlying beliefs is that children are a The world watched in horror as Typhoon Ondoy (recognised
sacred part of our future and hence, deserve the right to grow by international code name, Ketsana), packed with maximum
up in a safe and supportive environment. In conjunction with wind speeds of up to 110 kph, brought a month’s rain in less
its 11th year anniversary celebration, the QI Group, under the than seven hours, flooding 80 percent of Metro Manila and nearby
QuestNet Pays Forward Programme and RYTHM Foundation, provinces, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced.
In December 2005, the region was left battered by a tsunami formed a two-year commitment with World Vision, a non-profit
with far and destructive consequences. But in its aftermath, child-focused emergency, relief, development and advocacy With water levels rising, time was short, and flood victims were
the RYTHM Foundation executed an action plan to assist in the organisation, to provide 121 impoverished children in 11 far too many. RYTHM Foundation, recognising the severity of
recovery and rehabilitation of these disaster-stricken countries. Ms Donna Imson, RYTHM Foundation
countries with education opportunities, health care and support the situation after receiving word that many QI employees and
Trustee, distributing essential items at a systems. This, to date, is the most wide-spread corporate customers in The Philippines were among the severely affected,
It mobilised a team of volunteers to Sri Lanka’s coastal areas
relief camp in Yogyakarta. partnership in the history of World Vision. hurriedly responded to World Vision’s urgent call for help by
with relief material and financial aid. The Foundation also setting up a Typhoon Ondoy 5-5-5 Emergency Fund under the
committed USD 1 million for long-term rehabilitation projects. Leveraging on World Vision’s advanced local-level knowledge QuestNet Pays Forward Programme. Under this program, a
and support infrastructure, RYTHM Foundation was able to donation of 5,000 Pesos covers the emergency relief needs of
In Thailand, it raised much-needed funds and provided relief identify 11 children in poverty-stricken conditions from 11 of a family of 5 for 5 days.
workers with clothes, medical supplies, and necessities. The the programme’s targeted countries and donate USD 110,000
Foundation also donated THB 10 million to the Thai Prime for their benefit. The targeted countries are Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, The appeal for contributions resulted in generous donations
Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund for relief operations in six Tajikistan, Indonesia and India, just to name a few. pouring in from QI employees and Independent Representatives
coastal provinces. from across the globe.
This uniquely designed programme is tailored to meet the
QI’s Indian subsidiary, QuestNet India, also raised funds specific needs of each child, and ensures that all participants Trustees and volunteers from RYTHM Foundation joined World
through the Rupee-for-Rupee campaign to buy clothes, are actively engaged in its planning and implementation, so Vision as they conducted relief response by air to reach 20,000
medical supplies and food for the affected. QuestNet India that the beneficiaries get the most out of the sponsorship. families in the hardest hit areas of Marikina, Pasig, Rizal and
contributed an equal amount for every Rupee contributed by This helps foster self-sufficiency within the community, and also Cainta. World Vision, in partnership with the Philippine Coast
a customer or an employee for the campaign. ensures the long-term sustainability of the benefits resulting Guard and the Local Government Unit, was the first NGO
from the sponsorship, even long after it ends. to provide airlifted relief goods to the hundreds of families
In Indonesia, where the tsunami’s effect was at its worse, trapped on their rooftops without food or water, after their
funds raised from QI customers and employees were donated homes had been wrecked or submerged by the violent storm.
Mr. Bernhard H. Mayer, RYTHM Foundation
to a development organisation working on the rehabilitation Trustee visiting Yogyakarta relief camp.
of victims in the Banda Aceh area, the village nearest to the The Foundation also provided aid in many other ways;
epicentre of the earthquake. volunteers were deployed to set up a help desk and collect
relief goods for distribution to evacuation centres, doctors from
the Amezcua Wellness Centre were sent on medical missions
to treat the injured, and the QI Group’s facilities were opened
up to the public as shelter, and as a place to treat the wounded.
While the storm had swept away homes and loved ones, our
volunteers worked tirelessly to bring ashore one thing that
would help these victims rebuild their lives – hope.
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19.
KEY PROJECTS
In support of the arts Building and empowering communities
The Foundation works closely with the Temple of Fine Arts Projects in collaboration with TV3 Bersamamu
in Malaysia to sponsor various cultural events in the country.
Some of the key projects have included a musical evening In partnership with TV3, the Foundation has assisted numerous
with World Music Exponent Prem Joshua and a dance and families and individuals via the TV channel’s Bersamamu
music extravaganza titled ‘JumpStart’ which was a collaboration initiative. Volunteers from Vijayaratnam Foundation have
between Malaysian and international artistes. visited families of those in need to assess their needs and
provide the necessary support. TV3 has filmed all the activities
involved in this outreach programme for broadcast on local
news networks.
CSR with Questnet Malaysia
Under the QuestNet Pays Forward Programme, and in
association with QuestNet Malaysia, Vijayaratnam Foundation
sponsored tickets for 600 children from various orphanages in
Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, providing them with a chance to
watch the GP2 race held at the Sepang International Circuit.
The Foundation also sponsored tickets for 40 children from
Rumah Kasih in Petaling Jaya and Rumah Bakti in Ulu Kelang,
to watch the Disney On Ice Princess Wishes show which was
sponsored by QuestNet Malaysia in March 2009. This project
Empowering individuals through education was yet another successful effort under the QuestNet Pays
Forward Programme.
Rescue Project
This project with the Hindu Youth Organisation (HYO) in Port
Executive Chairman of the QI Group, Klang focuses on underachieving secondary school students.
The Foundation supports the project by empowering, assisting
Vijay Eswaran, established the Vijayaratnam and motivating these students to improve and fulfill their
potential. RESCUE stands for Realise, Empower, Self-Esteem,
Foundation as the Malaysian Chapter of Committed, United and Education, and these are the core
values of the programme. RESCUE identifies underachievers
the RYTHM Foundation to continue the at the Form 1 level and administers various empowerment and
academic programmes for them every Friday evening at the
philanthropic activities started 60 years ago HYO hostel. This programme is designed to run over a period
by his father, Mr. S. Vijayaratnam. of three years and will help these students build themselves
holistically.
The Foundation has close ties with the • Developing and implementing its own In partnership with the Education Welfare & Research
RYTHM Foundation but works on an projects. Foundation (EWRF)
independent mission: Empowering Lives,
Transforming Communities. • Giving grants to civil societies that The EWRF is a non-profit, voluntary organisation founded in
adhere to the Foundation’s mission 1979. Its C3G Skills Training Initiative aims to create awareness
The Foundation focuses on building of enhancing human capital and of the skills training opportunities available to Malaysian youth
human capital and is committed to the capacity building. and encourage their participation in these trainings.
social empowerment of individuals,
to help them raise themselves and • Collaborations with the public sector, Vijayaratnam Foundation jointly funded the initiative along with
contribute to their families, communities private sector, civil society and Astro Vanavil and the MCEF.
and society. It creates these positive philanthropic community.
changes by: Education Loans
The Foundation focuses on three
main areas: education, community As of 2009, the Foundation has awarded education loans worth
development and arts and culture. over RM1.5 million to deserving students all over the country to
study for professional degrees in International Universities.
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