Malaysia-based RJJ Hotels Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of RIYAZ International, has entered into a landmark strategic licensing agreement with China’s Jin Jiang Hotels, paving the way for the large-scale introduction of several Chinese hotel brands across Southeast Asia.
Under the agreement, RJJ Hotels will have the licensing rights to manage and expand five of Jin Jiang’s renowned brands throughout the region.
The company plans to sign around 200 hotel management agreements and operate over 100 hotels within the next five years in key growth markets, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos.
The first milestone of the partnership is a hotel management agreement in Luang Prabang, Laos, signed with Sanher Investment & Development Co. Ltd.
The upcoming property, set to open in early 2026, will carry the Metropolo brand—one of Jin Jiang’s most established portfolios. The hotel is expected to offer a 4- to 5-star experience, combining luxury and cultural heritage.
Liu Hegeng, General Manager of Sanher, said the project underscores confidence in Southeast Asia’s long-term tourism growth, and expressed optimism that the Metropolo brand will enhance Luang Prabang’s status as a heritage destination.
Malaysia has been designated as the operational headquarters for RJJ Hotels in Southeast Asia.
With the country currently chairing ASEAN and preparing to host major events such as the 2026 ASEAN Summit and Southeast Asian Games, it is viewed as a strategic base for regional expansion.
Mohammed Amin Mohammed Sidek, Executive Director of RJJ Hotels, said the partnership signals strong confidence in the ASEAN hospitality market and positions RJJ to lead cross-border hotel development, leveraging regional experience and local insight alongside Jin Jiang’s global systems and brand equity.
The collaboration will see RJJ manage five of Jin Jiang’s hotel brands, spanning upscale city hotels, luxury resorts, midscale business hotels, and premium economy offerings.
The brands are already generating interest from property owners in destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bali, Hanoi, Manila, and Vientiane.
To mark the partnership and attract further investment, an investor launch event is scheduled for August 27, 2025, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
The event will bring together over 400 Chinese and ASEAN investors and developers. It will also introduce the Jin Jiang Global Purchasing Platform (GPP) in Southeast Asia, which aims to streamline procurement of hotel fixtures, furnishings, and operating supplies under the management of NOVAC Hospitality.
Jin Jiang Hotels is part of Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels Group, the second-largest hotel group globally, with a portfolio of more than 17,300 hotels and 1.64 million guest rooms across 55 countries.
The group’s global loyalty program exceeds 200 million members. RJJ Hotels, meanwhile, is expanding its regional footprint with the backing of RIYAZ International and aims to deliver distinctive guest experiences shaped by international standards and regional character.
Business News Asia