The Bhutanese Leading the way.
As Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) takes shape in the southern plains of Bhutan, His Majesty The King named Ming Z. Mei a GMC Founding Member on 12 December. Ming Z Mei’s family trust, Humble Holdings, will invest in projects integral to the City’s initial development stages.
Ming Z. Mei is Co-Founder and CEO of GLP, a global leader in logistics real estate, data centres, renewable energy infrastructure, and related technologies. Under his leadership, GLP has transformed the modern logistics industry through innovative and entrepreneurial strategies, expanding into adjacent sectors and new markets. The Group now owns and manages about US$120 billion of assets worldwide, with a focus on high-growth, high-resiliency new-economy sectors across Asia, Europe and the Americas.
The GMC Founding Member programme is an exclusive, invite-only initiative recognising individuals whose expertise and experience are vital to will be significant for GMC’s success. Founding Members not only invest in the City’s development but also serve as advisors, offering specialised knowledge to shape the future of this visionary project.
Ming Z. Mei’s appointment as an inaugural Founding Member reflects his steadfast commitment to advancing Bhutan’s development and his significant contributions to shaping the foundation of GMC’s strategic framework.
Commenting on his appointment, Ming Z. Mei said, “His Majesty’s vision for the future of Bhutan and its people is inspiring. Gelephu Mindfulness City presents a bold new model for ‘mindful development’ in the 21st century, aiming to drive economic transformation for Bhutan by launching industries that offer meaningful employment opportunities for the younger generation in modern, technology driven, and globally connected sectors.”
GMC’s development plan emphasises seven key sectors: Agritech & Forestry; the Airport Economy; Education & Knowledge; Finance & Wealth Management; Green Energy & High Tech; Health & Wellness; and Spirituality.
He added, “It is an honour to be named a GMC Founding Member and contribute to the realisation of this visionary project. His Majesty’s plan is a beacon of hope for creating economic and social opportunities for Bhutanese while safeguarding the nation’s natural beauty, culture and values. This aligns deeply with my philosophy of fostering positive impact through investment.”
Additional members of the inaugural cohort of GMC Founding Members will be announced in the coming months. This select group of influential individuals will convene regularly to provide guidance, address challenges, and help propel GMC towards becoming a model of sustainable and innovative development, shaping a brighter future for Bhutan and the broader South Asian region.
About the GMC Founding Member Programme
The GMC Founding Member Programme is an invite only initiative under which carefully chosen individuals are appointed as advisers to the Gelephu Mindfulness City’s (GMC) Board of Directors and help realise His Majesty’s vision. The programme aims to induct influential individuals who bring deep knowledge of the industries, infrastructure, and systems required to drive the growth and development of GMC while also holding values that align with Bhutan’s culture and traditions.
About Gelephu Mindfulness City
The Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project is a pioneering initiative creating an urban environment centered around mindfulness, sustainability, and innovation in the southern plains of Bhutan. The City will integrate traditional Bhutanese values with cutting-edge design and technology, harnessing the Kingdom’s abundant green power to serve as a global exemplar of holistic development. The GMC will operate as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) vested with independent executive, legislative and judicial powers.
