Key points
- Malaysia’s Riyaz International has joined forces with Jin Jiang Hotels China Region to launch a powerful new brand, RJJ Hotels, which is set to transform the hospitality map of Southeast Asia and the wider Asia Pacific.
- The landmark partnership was officially unveiled at a high-profile signing and launch ceremony held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, drawing more than 400 leading stakeholders from the travel and tourism industry.
- In the midway of this Hotel News report it must be highlighted that both companies see this collaboration as more than just a business expansion but as the foundation of a new era of international hospitality rooted in Malaysia’s growing role as a regional hub.
Hotel News: A major cross-border hospitality alliance
Malaysia’s Riyaz International has joined forces with Jin Jiang Hotels China Region to launch a powerful new brand, RJJ Hotels, which is set to transform the hospitality map of Southeast Asia and the wider Asia Pacific. The landmark partnership was officially unveiled at a high-profile signing and launch ceremony held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, drawing more than 400 leading stakeholders from the travel and tourism industry. In the midway of this Hotel News report it must be highlighted that both companies see this collaboration as more than just a business expansion but as the foundation of a new era of international hospitality rooted in Malaysia’s growing role as a regional hub.
Riyaz International Malaysia has partnered with Jin Jiang Hotels China Region to launch a new joint brand, RJJ Hotels.
Image Credit: RJJ Hotels
The event was graced by senior Malaysian government officials, including YBhg Dato’ Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Secretary General of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, who officiated on behalf of Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz. His keynote address underlined Malaysia’s resilience as a business and tourism destination, and its potential to lead in sustainable, globally connected hospitality.
Agreements to accelerate regional growth
Several significant agreements were signed during the launch ceremony. These included:
-A Management License Agreement (MLA) between RJJ Hotels and Jin Jiang Hotels China Region
-A Joint Venture Agreement between Riyaz International and Sarawak-based Permodalan Satok for the Metropolo Jinjiang Hotels Sarawak project
-11 hotel management agreements and memoranda of understanding across Malaysia
These partnerships are designed to build the foundation for a rapid rollout of properties, with reports indicating that Jin Jiang plans to open up to 181 hotels across Southeast Asia over the next five years, with around 60 located in Malaysia.
Jin Jiang Hotels expanding globally
Image Credit: RJJ Hotels
Expanding portfolios and global strength
Riyaz International, established in 2008, has earned recognition through its portfolio of brands including The Riyaz, Dash, The Pure, and AQVA. The company is known for blending design-driven experiences with local authenticity.
Meanwhile, Jin Jiang Hotels China Region is part of Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels, one of the largest hotel groups in the world, managing more than 17,000 hotels and 1.6 million rooms across 55 countries.
Through RJJ Hotels, five of Jin Jiang’s established brands — Metropolo Jinjiang Hotels, Lavande Hotels, Jinjiang Inn, Ginco Hotel, and Renjoy Hotel — will now enter Southeast Asia. This expansion aims to cater to both business and leisure travelers, with offerings spanning premium to economy categories.
A platform for sustainable and inclusive growth
The vision for RJJ Hotels is not only focused on numbers but also on quality impact. Hairil Yahri Yaacob emphasized that the true value of the partnership will be reflected in how it creates opportunities for Malaysians, from small and medium-sized enterprises joining the supply chain, to young professionals receiving world-class hospitality training. Sustainability was also highlighted as a core pillar, with commitments to energy efficiency, waste reduction, and greener operations.
Dato’ Sri Shaheen, Group Managing Director of Riyaz International and RJJ Hotels, shared his optimism, stating: “RJJ Hotels is more than a launch – it is Malaysia’s chance to lead a new era of cross-border hospitality. With Riyaz’s local strength and Jin Jiang’s global reach, we are shaping growth that puts Malaysia at the centre of Southeast Asia’s tourism story.”
Looking ahead
The launch of RJJ Hotels represents a bold step forward for Malaysia’s hospitality sector. With Riyaz’s strong local foundation and Jin Jiang’s massive global presence, the partnership is well-positioned to not only attract investments but also to set new benchmarks for service excellence, training, and sustainable tourism. Over the next five years, the rollout of nearly 200 hotels across the region will provide a surge of opportunities in employment, skills development, and supplier networks. More importantly, this collaboration sends a clear message that Malaysia is ready to lead Southeast Asia’s next chapter in tourism and hospitality, and that regional growth will be driven by partnerships built on trust, innovation, and long-term vision. This alliance is expected to reshape the competitive landscape and reinforce Malaysia’s central role in global tourism strategies, making it one of the most closely watched developments in the industry.
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