RIYAZ International Sdn. Bhd., a prominent hospitality and lifestyle company based in Malaysia, has forged a significant strategic alliance with Jin Jiang Hotels, the second-largest hotel group globally, to establish a new joint venture, RJJ Hotels Sdn. Bhd. (RJJ Hotels). This partnership reaches a significant milestone with the signing of the inaugural Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) on May 3, 2025, for a property situated in Luang Prabang, Laos. This agreement signifies the first expansion of RJJ Hotels in Southeast Asia.
RJJ has secured the licensing rights to manage and expand five prestigious brands from Jin Jiang Hotels throughout Southeast Asia. The joint venture aims to sign 181 hotel management agreements and have 108 properties operational within the next five years, focusing on key growth regions such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos.
Laos Marks the Inaugural Milestone with RJJ Agreement
The first Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) signed in Luang Prabang, Laos, is with Sanher Investment & Development Co. Ltd. The property will showcase one of Jin Jiang Hotels’ renowned and legacy-rich brands, Metropolo, with an anticipated opening in early 2026. Metropolo hotels are typically 4- to 5-star establishments with 100 rooms or more, strategically located in major cities rich in historical significance. The brand is celebrated for blending timeless luxury with local cultural influences, creating a unique and immersive guest experience.
“This project reflects our confidence in the long-term potential of Southeast Asia’s tourism sector. We believe the Metropolo brand, under the guidance of RJJ Hotels, will deliver high-quality experiences that reflect the rich heritage of Luang Prabang,” said Liu Hegeng, General Manager, Hotel Department of Sanher Investment & Development Co. Ltd.
Malaysia Chosen as the Operational Hub for Southeast Asia
RJJ Hotels and Jin Jiang Hotels are making their first major international foray, with Malaysia, the current ASEAN Chair, chosen as the operational headquarters for RJJ Hotels. In 2024, Malaysia welcomed more than 25 million international visitors, and over the next three years, the country will host significant regional events, such as the ASEAN Summit, Visit Malaysia 2026, and the Southeast Asian Games. This underscores Malaysia’s growing importance as a key center for hospitality and investment in the region.
“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.
As part of this partnership, RJJ Hotels will oversee five prestigious hotel brands from the Jin Jiang portfolio:
- METROPOLO JINJIANG HOTELS – Upscale 4 & 5-star city properties
- GINCO HOTEL – Luxury 5-star resorts
- RENJOY HOTEL – Upscale 5-star resorts
- LAVANDE – Midscale business hotels
- JINJIANG INN – Premium economy hotels
These brands are set to form the foundation of RJJ Hotels’ footprint in prominent urban and leisure destinations. Currently, talks are progressing with property owners in key cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Jakarta, Bali, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, and Manila.
Tags: Liu Hegeng, Sanher Investment and Development Co. Ltd, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, RJJ Hotels, RIYAZ International Jin Jiang Hotels
