Vijay Eswaran

Vijay Eswaran is an Asian business leader and entrepreneur dedicated to improving the quality of life for every community he becomes involved in. This includes his corporate endeavors, his employees, and the greater ASEAN region. 

Educated overseas, Vijay Eswaran returned to Malaysia to start his entrepreneurial journey in the mid 90s.  In 1998 while the Asian Financial Crisis cast uncertainty in the region, while many preferred a conservative approach, Eswaran identified hidden opportunities in the economy and worked to improve the economics and administration of business in the region. To this end, he founded an eCommerce venture in the direct selling industry, which has today grown into theQI Group, an expansive multinational conglomerate.

Leveraging new technologies and strategic investments, the company encompasses business interests including eCommerce, travel and leisure, retail, financial services, real estate, and education. Headquartered in Hong Kong with operations in over 30 countries, QI Group boasts a global workforce of more than 2,000 professionals.

Vijay Eswaran made it a priority for his company to adhere to sustainable business practices and help employees give back wherever possible. Implementing company-wide policies, such as a comprehensive no-meat and no-plastic initiative at its corporate offices, QI Group actively combats climate change. Employees are also encouraged to give back to their own communities by spending 16 hours of personal time each year on volunteerism. 

Eswaran is esteemed for his commitment to philanthropy and advocacy. A true humanitarian, he has committed 10% of the QI Group's revenues to the RYTHM Foundation, the company's social impact initiative. Through the foundation, Vijay drives projects that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on gender equality, quality education, and sustainable community development.

Eswaran has received numerous accolades in the fields of business, philanthropy, and leadership. He has been featured in Forbes Asia's annual list of Heroes of Philanthropy and received prestigious awards such as the Special Award for Education, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership. Additionally, his contributions have been acknowledged with titles including CEO of the Year and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Lifetime Achievement Award for Global Entrepreneurship. In 2021, Vijay Eswaran and his wife, Umayal, were honored in the Indiaspora Philanthropy Leaders List, which celebrates influential individuals from the global Indian Diaspora community for their significant philanthropic contributions.

Vijay Eswaran’s oratory skills have made him a sought-after speaker at major international forums. He has presented at the World Economic Forum's Davos Agenda, the Horasis Visionary Circle, ASEAN Leadership Forums, and the Concordia Global Summit. His speaking topics range from tackling the global challenges of sustainability to the economic growth potential of the ASEAN nations and how they can become more active players in world affairs through increased harmony and improved infrastructure. 

An accomplished writer, Eswaran has penned several books including bestsellers "In the Sphere of Silence" and "Two Minutes from The Abyss." His written pieces on leadership, entrepreneurship, and life management have appeared in renowned publications such as the Harvard Business Review, The Good Men Project, and Thrive Global.