In a landmark event yesterday, His Majesty the King of Bhutan officially appointed Ming Z. Mei, Co-Founder and CEO of global powerhouse GLP, as the first-ever Founding Member of the nation’s ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project.
This prestigious recognition underscores a pivotal advancement in Bhutan’s visionary plan to establish a sustainable, innovative urban hub. Gelephu Mindfulness City aims to blend modern development with Bhutanese cultural values, setting a benchmark for mindful urbanization in the 21st century.
GLP, renowned for its leadership in logistics real estate, data centers, renewable energy infrastructure, and cutting-edge technologies, manages an impressive portfolio of approximately USD 120 billion in assets worldwide. The company’s strategic focus spans high-growth, resilient sectors across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, positioning it as a key player in the global new economy.
In a statement released by GMC, it was announced that Ming Z. Mei’s family trust, Humble Holdings, will channel investments into critical projects essential for the initial phase of GMC’s growth. This investment is expected to catalyze the development of the city’s infrastructure and industry sectors.
The GMC Founding Member programme is an exclusive, invitation-only initiative designed to attract forward-thinking individuals whose expertise and financial support are crucial to the city’s success. Founding Members not only provide essential funding but also offer strategic guidance, drawing from their extensive global experience to steer the project towards its ambitious goals.
“Our King’s vision for Bhutan’s future is truly inspiring,” Mei remarked during the ceremony. “Gelephu Mindfulness City represents a bold new model for mindful development, aiming to drive economic transformation by fostering industries that provide meaningful employment for Bhutan’s youth in technologically advanced and globally interconnected sectors.”
Mei emphasized that the initiative resonates deeply with his commitment to generating positive social and economic impacts through strategic investments. “Balancing economic growth with the preservation of Bhutan’s natural beauty, culture, and values is paramount,” he added. “It is an honor to be part of this visionary project and contribute to its realization.”
The Gelephu Mindfulness City project is strategically focused on seven key sectors: agritech and forestry, airport economy, education and knowledge, finance and wealth management, green energy and high-tech, health and wellness, and spirituality. These sectors are designed to create a robust and diversified economic foundation while maintaining harmony with Bhutan’s traditional ethos.
GMC officials announced that additional Founding Members will be unveiled in the forthcoming months, further enhancing the city’s developmental prospects with a diverse array of expertise and investment.
As Bhutan charts a path towards sustainable and mindful urbanization, the inclusion of global leaders like Ming Z. Mei marks a significant stride towards achieving its long-term vision. Gelephu Mindfulness City stands as a testament to Bhutan’s commitment to innovative growth that honors its rich cultural heritage and natural environment.
