A new era in Southeast Asian hospitality has begun with the formalisation of a strategic partnership between Malaysian-owned hospitality group, RIYAZ International Sdn. Bhd., and Jin Jiang Hotels China Region, a leading global hotel group.
The partnership, celebrated at a signing ceremony at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), was lauded as a significant milestone that reinforces Malaysia’s position as a key hub for tourism, hospitality, and cross-border investment. The event, officiated by YBhg. Dato’ Hairil Yahri Yaacob from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, underscored the strong confidence investors have in Malaysia’s economic resilience.
Key Agreements Cement Partnership Goals
The partnership is built upon a series of key agreements designed to drive future growth and collaboration. These include a Management License Agreement (MLA) between RJJ Hotels and Jin Jiang Hotels China Region, which outlines their framework for operational cooperation. Additionally, a Joint Venture Agreement has been signed between RIYAZ International and Permodalan Satok Berhad (PSB) for the development of the Metropolo Jinjiang Hotels Sarawak project, a clear indicator of the partnership’s focus on regional development. To demonstrate the immediate and widespread impact of the new venture, 11 Hotel Management Agreements and MoUs have also been finalised across Malaysia.
Through RJJ Hotels, five of Jin Jiang Hotels’ well-established brands – Metropolo Jinjiang Hotels, Lavande Hotels, Jinjiang Inn, Ginco Hotel and Renjoy Hotel – will be introduced to the Southeast Asian market. This will cater to a diverse range of business and leisure travellers, leveraging RIYAZ International’s strong local market knowledge and Jin Jiang’s vast global resources.
A Focus on Growth, Opportunity and Sustainability
The partnership is about more than just opening new hotels. As noted by YBhg Dato’ Hairil Yahri Yaacob, the true value of the collaboration will be measured by the opportunities it creates for Malaysians. The venture aims to empower local SMEs, provide world-class training to young people and embed sustainable practices into daily operations – from energy efficiency to waste reduction.
Dato’ Sri Shaheen, Group Managing Director of RIYAZ International and RJJ Hotels, emphasised the venture’s role in shaping a new era of cross-border hospitality with Malaysia at the forefront of Southeast Asia’s tourism narrative. This sentiment was echoed by Zhou Wei, Vice President of Jin Jiang International, who highlighted Malaysia’s resilience and its “natural hub” status for bringing global resources into the region.
The partnership represents a significant commitment to sustainable hospitality growth, with Malaysia as the anchor and Southeast Asia as the next frontier for this dynamic new venture.
