In recent times, co-working sector in India has witnessed a paradigm shift towards sustainable and green spaces. Organizations across India now understand the positive impact sustainable spaces have on employees’ overall productivity, thereby acting as a catalyst for fueling innovation and creativity, which in turn leads to brighter, better tomorrows. Hence, spaces such as Whizdom Club by MQDC, that work around its vision of ‘For All Well – Being’ ensure treated fresh air, ergonomic steelcase furniture, retractable roof to allow for ample natural light, vertical garden and no duct no carpet interiors that reduce dust, are hygienic and offer more than ample space between work stations are a preferred choice.
Launched in August 2019, Whizdom Club is MQDC’s (Magnolia Quality Development Corporation) first project in India, drawn by the country’s youthful demographic and strong startup culture. The flagship club offers world-class infrastructure along with wellness, mentorship and incubation support. Whizdom Club is dedicated to creativity and sustainability for socially interactive and dynamic young people.
In an interview with Insights Success, Chulamas Jitpatima (Amy), Director, MQDC India explains how Whizdom Club is transforming India’s co-working segment with its avant-garde facilities and services for students, young professionals, enterprises, and startupreneurs.
- What are the values, vision, and mission of your company?
Established in 2006, MQDC is a global property developer headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, with offices in Shanghai, China and New Delhi, India.
Driven by its core philosophy ‘For All Well-Being’, MQDC is known for its commitment to innovation, wellness and sustainability. The idea is to play an integral role in enabling people innovate better in an environment that is conducive to creativity and in the process carve a better tomorrow. With a strong emphasis on the overall well-being of our members as well as a focused approach towards sustainability, we seek to create a positive change in the environment and among people.
MQDC is a house of brands that has successfully developed several international projects including quality residential housing, condominium, and luxury mixed-use developments. Recently, it has launched multiple projects in Bangkok, in line with the company’s mission. With every project that we take on, our constant endeavor is to work towards a goal of healthier lifestyles and an all-embracing growth and development agenda.
- Kindly describe about the types of facilities you offer within your co-working space.
While we believe that it is the people that make the space, it is important to supplement their passion with a range of services and amenities aimed at catalyzing innovation and collaboration. In line with that, Whizdom Club Delhi offers its members a range of facilities and amenities which include:
- Whiz Café – The club has a special and vibrant space for good ideas and even better coffee to brew, in the form of Whiz Café which functions as an apt gateway between members and non-members. From delicious multi cuisine food to a host of refreshing beverages, there is something for everyone at Whiz Café. The space and menu are designed in a manner that makes the café a place to work as well as unwind. Located at the heart of New Delhi, with the Cinemas right by its side, the Café draws an eclectic mix of people from students to working professionals. The Café will soon be introducing a new delivery/ take away menu with immunity boosting dishes keeping in mind the current health situation
- Various Kinds of Workstation Options – Different seating arrangements catering to various work styles and requirements – Hot Desks, Dedicated Desks and Private Cabins.
- VC and Meeting Rooms: The club also offers fully-equipped meeting and VC rooms. The rooms are available for daily bookings by non-members as well.
- Whiz Around – Whizdom Club has a dedicated brainstorming and ideation Lab featuring a digital flip board and movable furniture to ensure that ideas flow freely and inspiration strikes you when it counts.
- Whiz Kid – In-house recreational lounge, competent with monkey bars and a pool table, and many more.
- Whiz Live – A Multipurpose Area facilitating added level of interaction and conversations among its clients. It can host events and workshops and is open for bookings
- Spacious Terrace – An open Terrace filled with greenery. It is aesthetically pleasing and provides a peaceful and calm area for short breaks between when one needs a little breather amidst all the deadlines, meetings, and general chaos, our open terrace will be your perfect solace work. The terrace is also equipped to host specific events/activities.
For more details, kindly log on to – https://whizdomindia.com/
- How has your company sustained its market competency? What are the characteristics that set it apart?
MQDC has forayed into the Indian real estate market with Whizdom Club which truly reflects the company’s vision and brand ethos through its unique offerings. The global property developer brings to India its legacy and global standards and best practices.
Whizdom Club is not just a co-working space but also an inspiration hub. The club have partnerships with VCs and startup mentors to guide the entrepreneurs and young professionals to excel in their respective field. Regular events such as the ‘Start-Up Series” is hosted at the club targeting young entrepreneurs and students. Recently, we have been conducting the start-up series webinars to keep in touch with our community and ensure that learning never stops. Keeping students, young professionals and entrepreneurs in mind, the Club plans to make its space inspirational and conducive to growth. Further, the space is design to help improve efficiency and look out for the well-being of its members. Complete with a world class treated fresh air facility, ergonomic Steelcase furniture, retractable roof for ample natural light, vertical garden and it’s not duct no carpet interiors that reduce dust, Whizdom Club offers it all.
What adds to its merit is that the Club is strategically located in the heart of South Delhi with the nearest metro station being a stone’s throw away. With its strategic location, State-of -the-Art Infrastructure and a wide range of amenities, Whizdom Club aims to be the preferred choice of Enterprise Clients.
Furthermore, Whizdom Club provides avenues for both professional and personal growth through all its offerings.
- Startup Incubation and mentorship – A mentorship program ensuring professional growth and supporting budding entrepreneurs right from the stage of ideation to execution.
- Focus on work-life balance and wellbeing – Whizdom Club is a lifestyle space, through a range of recreational/hobby workshops and events offered on a regular basis for both members and non-members. In-keeping with our vision of For all well-being, we have created a recreational space which we call Whiz Kid, for the adults who would want some play time in between their busy schedule,
- Gourmet Food experience in a vibrant collaborative environment –Whiz Café is open to both members and non-members. In addition to providing delicious food and beverages, it is also a space for collaboration and exchange of ideas.
- Describe the experiences, achievements or lessons learned, that have influenced the journey of the company.
Since the opening of the Whizdom Club in August 2019, there have been several notable milestones and achievements. We won the “Co-Working Amenities of the Year” Award at Realty+ Co-Working Summit & Excellence Awards 2020 held in Mumbai. We have also forged valuable strategic industry partnerships. TiE Delhi is our ecosystem partners and several of their events are hosted in our club. The Club has been actively involved in their flagship events such as the TiE Global Summit and the Start-up Expo. Additionally, we have hosted several pitching sessions with our investment partner Venture Catalysts.
Furthermore, several events at Whizdom Club have been in collaboration with independent organizations and student bodies such as MindHerBiz, Bennett University, Skill Circle and Ventures. Whizdom Club was also the title sponsor of the Asian Designer Week held in Gurgaon.
- What are the future plans of the company? Where do you see the company in the years to come?
We intend to expand in the Indian market with projects featuring new concepts based on demand and in-depth analysis of the catchment area. We will soon announce the details of our upcoming projects.
To know more about the company, visit: https://whizdomindia.com/
About the Leader
Backed by more than 15 years’ experience with large Thai conglomerates and multinationals, Ms Chulamas Jitpatima (Amy), Director, MQDC India Real Estate Private Limited has imparted a dynamic approach in launching the company in India. Deploying the same dynamism in setting up MQDC’s first initiative, Whizdom Club in India, Amy is crafting the Club’s distinctive ethos and character that can act as a catalyst in attracting young professionals and entrepreneurs. She believes Whizdom Club can play a pivotal role in startupreneurs building new connections, gathering inspiration and discovering missing elements that can add momentum to their business strategies in addressing global competition.
Amy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (International Business) from the esteemed Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. Amy’s primary interest is travel – reflecting the globetrotter, who grew up in several countries having-being born in a diplomatic family.
Amy began her career as a Senior Analyst at Accenture, and spent her years there building strategies and improving processes across various leading companies, including Siam Cement Group and PTT Public Company Limited.
Before joining MQDC in October 2017, Amy was the Managing Director and Co-founder of Idea360 – a research and branding powerhouse she helped establish in 2007. The agency assisted a myriad of brands in comprehending consumers’ subliminal beliefs.
In this enterprise, Amy worked closely with the world-renowned experimental psychologist, Dr. Howard Moskowitz, in launching Mind Genomics as the leading consumer research tool in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Idea360’s clients extended across automotive, banking, construction & real estate, FMCG, petrochemicals, hospitals, food & beverages, electronics, retail and government sector.
