Sri Lanka's world famous cricket spin wizard, Muttiah Muralidaran (centre) addresses the media launch of his brand ambassadorship of QNet, the global direct selling company of wellness and lifestyle products in Singapore last week flanked by QNet Regional Director for Singapore, Zaheer Merchant (left) and Singapore Cricket Association President Imran Hamid Khwaja.

Sri Lanka's world famous cricket spin wizard, Muttiah Muralidaran, was last week ceremoniously unveiled in Singapore as brand ambassador for QNet, the global direct selling company of wellness and lifestyle products.

The three-year deal is the first upon Murali's retirement from Test cricket, on 22 July 2010, after making history as the first bowler to take 800 test wickets with the last ball of his career, resulting in Sri Lanka beating India.

"When it comes to product endorsements, I am very selective. Such products must relate to me and my experiences," Murali told the media launch of his endorsement of QNet products held in Singapore.
"My fitness has always been my secret to playing good cricket. But I discovered that there are wonderful products that could be used to enhance our natural energies. I got hooked when I discovered the QNet range of energy products. And as I began to use each one, I discovered that my energy levels actually improved, so I am more than happy to endorse their products," he added.

He also said "Cricket is all about balance and several of QNet products help me to meet this key aspect both in life and cricket. QNet products have worked for me and I am sure it will for others as well."
Although Muralidaran declined to reveal the value of the deal, he said it involved endorsing 'all the exclusive products distributed by QNet, particularly their wellness and energy range.'

QNet Regional Director for Singapore, Zaheer Merchant said that the Company had zeroed-in on Murali last year as a potential brand ambassador as he fit the Company's values and through negotiations the deal was struck.

"Murali fits perfectly with our core values which are Service, Teamwork, Integrity and being Results Oriented. Hence, there is a clear synergy between our corporate values and all that Murali stands for," Merchant said.

"Muralidaran's commitment to his game, goal-oriented focus, resilience, integrity, and ability to smile in the face of adversity are traits that inspired QNet to appoint him as its product ambassador," he added.
As part of the launch Murali also attended a reception held at the Singapore Cricket Club with diplomats, government, business and professional leaders in Singapore as well as Malaysia attending. He also conducted a one hour coaching session to young spin bowlers of Singapore.

In explaining why Singapore was picked as the country for the announcement Merchant, said QNet had a significant presence in the region through offices in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. "But the Island State was chosen as the venue to make the global announcement of Muralidaran's appointment as it is an active cricket playing nation," he added. "Singapore national cricket team has been an associate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) since 1974, and has played in every ICC World Cup qualifier, except in 1995 and 2005."

"Singapore is also the regional headquarters for QNet's travel and lifestyle division, under which our wellness and energy products are categorised. So it is fitting that we announce his appointment here," he said.

Earlier, Merchant also presented a cheque for S$10,000 to SCA president, Imran Hamid Khwaja. "We will use the money to help fund the training of young cricketers. Muralidaran has inspired a generation of cricketers and we hope one day to have Singaporeans who can meet or even exceed his achievements," Imran said.

He also said QNet's slogan "Dream, Perform, Achieve" is personified in Murali.
Murali is the second sports personality handpicked by QNet. The other is Thongchai Jaidee, professional golfer who is among world's top 50 and Asia's top 3.

QNet has had extensive engagement in sports sponsorship including 2003 Badminton World Championship in Birmingham, England, title sponsor for Team Meritus in Formula V6 series in China in 2006, 2007 and 2008, Hong Kong Open Badminton Super Series 2009 etc.

Merchant said that the Company was exploring sponsorship opportunities in English Premier League as well as Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi.

QNet is a dynamic wellness and lifestyle company designed to enrich the lives of its customers worldwide through an exclusive product portfolio and a unique business opportunity. The products range from personal care, nutrition, cosmetics, body and water energisers and home care to collectible coins, jewellery, watches, holiday packages and telecommunication products.  Products are marketed via over one million Independent Representatives. Its major markets are in South East Asia where the Company was founded, Southern Asia, Northern and Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa whilst its distributors are active worldwide. QNet is on course to expanding into Europe, North and South America.

Notably the Company has a strategic alliance with B.H. Mayer's Mint Germany, one of the oldest and privately owned mints in Europe. In 2006, QNet acquired a Swiss watch manufacturer in Zug, Switzerland allowing 100% in-house design and manufacture of Bernhard H Mayer luxury watch and jewellery line.

Among products to be endorsed by Murali include this range. QNet is also the recipient of the coveted VeriSign Cyber Trust certification, recognising safe, secure and stable online transactions.
Through innovative lifestyle brands that engender high brand loyalty and satisfaction, combined with local, on-ground support and services, QNet has established itself as a global direct selling company with a strong Asian heritage.

By offering a proven ecommerce business opportunity to promote the company's products and services, QNet represents the potential for additional or sole income for business entrepreneurs.