PETALING JAYA: QI Group, a multinational conglomerate with its operational headquarters in Malaysia, has been recognised in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Inclusion Lighthouses 2026 Insights Report for its community-driven initiative that promotes socioeconomic mobility among Indigenous communities in Sabah.
The initiative was selected as one of eight Highlights in the report, a category in which the WEF’s independent expert panel recognises organisations demonstrating exemplary design and execution in corporate inclusion. QI Group was honoured for its collaborative model that places Indigenous voices at the centre of programme design and implementation, exemplifying how inclusive development can deliver meaningful, sustainable, and community-led outcomes.
Between April 2021 and March 2024, QI Group, through its corporate social impact arm, RYTHM Foundation, implemented a transformative programme in selected villages across Sabah in partnership with local non-profit organisation Good Shepherd Services (GSS). The initiative focused on expanding access to education, strengthening livelihoods, promoting environmental stewardship, and supporting long-term community self-reliance.
This recognition reflects QI Group’s belief that genuine inclusion is most effective when communities actively participate in shaping solutions that directly impact their lives. It also underscores the Group’s dedication to embedding inclusion, collaboration, and empowerment across both its business operations and community engagement efforts.
“Inclusion begins with respect, and it cannot be crafted solely from the boardroom. Instead of imposing a standardised approach, we chose to listen, learn, and work alongside the communities themselves to ensure they had ownership of both the process and the outcomes. We are truly honoured to see this approach recognised by the World Economic Forum’s Future of Inclusion Lighthouses 2026 Report,” said Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran, Chairperson of RYTHM Foundation.
In collaboration with GSS, QI Group continues to advance access to quality education and create pathways to lifelong success. (Photo courtesy of QI Group of Companies)
A Community-Led Approach to Inclusion
The report highlights QI Group’s commitment to co-creation and collaboration, noting that local voices were actively involved throughout the programme’s design and delivery. Instead of adopting a conventional top-down corporate social responsibility approach, the initiative was built around the cultural, social, and economic realities of the communities it aimed to support.
The World Economic Forum also observed that the initiative was driven by strong leadership commitment across the organisation, with the Board of Directors, leadership, and employees collectively championing inclusion principles and integrating them into community engagement efforts. In practice, this involved working closely with community leaders, families, and local partners to identify priorities, develop locally relevant solutions, and foster shared ownership of outcomes.
The programme combined educational support — including weekend tuition classes, literacy and numeracy development, mental health and personal safety sessions — alongside training in entrepreneurship, agriculture, and small business development, all aimed at strengthening individual capabilities and fostering long-term community resilience.
Demonstrating Impact Through Inclusion
The World Economic Forum report highlights tangible outcomes achieved through QI Group’s community-led approach. By placing Indigenous communities at the centre of programme delivery, the initiative empowered women and youth to take on new roles in learning, entrepreneurship, and decision-making. Women who previously faced limited economic opportunities became involved in small enterprise activities and local value chains, including community-led ventures aimed at generating sustainable income. Youth trained in ecotourism developed new skills, confidence, and leadership abilities within their communities.
According to the report, these shifts contributed to broader social transformation, helping to normalise education and gender equality, while strengthening community confidence, participation, and self-reliance. The report also emphasised the visible and replicable nature of these outcomes, demonstrating the potential for scalability and long-term impact.
This initiative reflects RYTHM Foundation’s longstanding commitment to community development and inclusive empowerment. Working alongside local communities and partners, the Foundation focuses on creating sustainable pathways for education, economic participation, and social mobility—particularly among marginalised and underserved populations.
Advancing Inclusive Growth
The recognition reinforces QI Group’s enduring dedication to promoting inclusive growth through partnerships and community-driven development models that empower marginalised communities.
As organisations worldwide seek to foster more inclusive and equitable opportunities, QI Group believes that sustainable progress is best achieved when communities are empowered to shape their own futures. The Group remains committed to championing collaborative approaches that create opportunities, strengthen livelihoods, and contribute to enduring socioeconomic development.-pr/BNN
