MQDC India: Growth, Co-Working Trends, and Real Estate Outlook

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

Headquartered in Bangkok, Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC) was established in 2006. The company entered the Indian market in August 2019 with the launch of its premium co-working space, Whizdom Club.

In February 2020, it expanded its presence with Whiz Cafe. Following the pandemic, MQDC diversified further by launching a trading vertical offering premium anti-viral and allergy-free products.

Life And More spoke with Chulamas Jitpatima, Country Director, MQDC India, to understand the company’s journey and outlook.

Why MQDC Chose the Indian Market

India offers a large and high-potential market. In recent years, the country has emerged as a global entrepreneurial hub with strong growth prospects.

According to Jitpatima, favourable macroeconomic indicators, improved ease of doing business in India, and diverse demographics make India an attractive destination for expansion.

Both Whizdom Club and Whiz Cafe have received strong appreciation. This success led to the launch of AVA, MQDC’s wellness trading vertical. The company now plans to expand its footprint across India.

Pandemic Challenges and Business Resilience

Like most industries, the co-working sector in India faced disruptions during lockdowns. Offices and cafés were temporarily shut as companies shifted to remote work.

However, MQDC adapted quickly. The company implemented business continuity plans and retained all its clients. It also added new customers during this period.

To support SMEs and startups, MQDC offered flexible workspace solutions. It partnered with delivery platforms to keep Whiz Cafe operational. The company also launched a COVID care meals campaign, delivering affordable and nutritious food to affected families.

Health and safety remained a priority. Workspaces were redesigned with:

• Spacious layouts and wide desks
• Dust-free furnishings
• Advanced air treatment systems

All government-mandated COVID-19 protocols were strictly followed.

Are Co-Working Spaces Still Relevant?

As companies return to offices, demand for flexible and cost-effective workspaces is rising. This makes co-working spaces highly relevant.

They also offer access to locations across Tier II and Tier III cities, which is important as the workforce becomes more distributed.

The plug-and-play office model continues to evolve. Today, co-working spaces offer customised solutions for different business needs. They are no longer limited to startups. Large enterprises are also adopting them.

Jitpatima believes the sector will continue to grow steadily in the coming years.

Digital Transformation at MQDC

MQDC has always been a technology-driven organisation. During the pandemic, digital adoption accelerated further.

The company introduced multiple tools and applications to support remote and hybrid working. These systems streamlined both front-end and back-end operations.

MQDC also focused on community engagement. It hosted online mentorship sessions with industry experts and entrepreneurs. A dedicated community app helped members stay connected and collaborate effectively.

Outlook on India’s Real Estate Sector

Jitpatima highlights the resilience of India’s real estate sector. Despite pandemic challenges, the sector has recovered quickly.

The commercial real estate market in India is expected to see strong growth. Developers are now focusing on flexible, automated, and remote-friendly solutions.

She also emphasised the need for sustainable and smart real estate developments. The shift towards green buildings has already begun, but there is still significant scope for growth.

Future of India’s Real Estate Market

India’s real estate market is evolving rapidly. While residential investments remain strong, commercial real estate is gaining traction.

New investment options like REITs are driving this shift. The sector is also becoming more organised and transparent.

The co-working industry in India is expected to grow by 15–20% annually over the next few years. This growth will significantly impact the overall real estate market.

Changing work culture and post-pandemic lifestyles are shaping new property models. Flexible spaces, hybrid work environments, and smart developments will define the future.

MQDC’s journey in India reflects the growing opportunities in the real estate and co-working sector. With a focus on innovation, flexibility, and sustainability, the company is well-positioned to expand in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.