KUALA LUMPUR – Riyaz International Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysian hospitality and lifestyle company, has established a strategic partnership with Jin Jiang Hotels China Region, the second-largest hotel group in the world to create a new joint venture called RJJ Hotels Sdn. Bhd.
RJJ has been granted the licensing rights to oversee and grow five well-known brands from Jin Jiang Hotels throughout Southeast Asia.
The first Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) was signed on May 3 for a property in Luang Prabang, Laos, which marked a significant milestone for RJJ Hotels Sdn Bhd in Southeast Asia.
The agreement was signed with Sanher Investment & Development Co. Ltd. to build the first Metropolo Hotel in Southeast Asia, which is set to open in early 2026.
Metropolo hotels are designed to be equivalent to 4- or 5-star accommodations, usually offering 100 or more rooms, and are located in major cities with rich historical significance.
This brand is recognised for providing classic luxury while also integrating local cultural aspects into its design and guest experience.
The brand is known for delivering classic luxury while incorporating local cultural elements into its design and guest experience.
According to a report on Yahoo. com, the joint venture aims to establish 181 hotel management agreements and have 108 hotels operational within the next five years in important growth markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos.
Meanwhile , Malaysia, which is the Asean Chair, has been chosen to be the headquarters for RJJ Hotels.
In 2024, Malaysia attracted more than 25 million international visitors, and it will be hosting significant regional events such as the ASEAN Summit, Visit Malaysia 2026, and the Southeast Asian Games, underscoring its importance as a key center for hospitality and investment.
“This partnership is a strong signal of confidence in the ASEAN hospitality market. RJJ is well placed to redefine cross-border hotel development by combining our regional management experience and local cultural insight with Jin Jiang Hotels’ sophisticated systems and brand strength,” said Mohammed Amin Mohammed Sidek, Executive Director of RJJ Hotels.
Through this collaboration, RJJ Hotels will manage five hotel brands under the Jin Jiang portfolio:
METROPOLO JINJIANG HOTELS – Upscale 4 & 5-star city hotels
GINCO HOTEL – Luxury 5-star resort
RENJOY HOTEL – Upscale 5-star resort
LAVANDE – Midscale business hotel
JINJIANG INN – Premium economy hotel
RJJ Hotels plans to establish its presence in important urban and leisure locations through these brands.
Conversations are already taking place with property owners in cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Jakarta, Bali, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, and Manila. – May 13, 2025