Dear Readers,
RIYAZ International and Jin Jiang Hotels China Region Launched RJJ Hotels Sdn. Bhd. Through Strategic Partnership For Regional Tourism and Investment Growth
![]() |
Strategic Cooperation Conference And Signing Ceremony Between RIYAZ International & Jin Jiang Hotels China Region At MITEC, Kuala Lumpur |
If you have ever wandered through the vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur, sipped coffee at a heritage cafe in Penang, or watched the sunrise over Mount Santubong, you will know that Malaysia isn't just a destination, it's a feeling.
And now, that feeling is about to be shared with even more of the world, thanks to a bold new partnership that is putting Malaysia at the heart of Southeast Asia's hospitality map.
On 27 August 2025, I had the privilege of attending the landmark event at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
![]() |
The Official Launch Ceremony of RJJ Hotels Where RIYAZ International Has Partnered With Jin Jiang Hotels China Region To Expand Its Presence Across Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific |
It wasn't just another corporate signing ceremony, it was the birth of something exciting.
RJJ Hotels Sdn. Bhd., a joint venture between RIYAZ International, a proudly Malaysian hospitality group, and Jin Jiang Hotels China Region, one of the world's largest hotel chains.
And let me tell you, the energy in the room was electric.
A Partnership That Means Business And Travel
The event was officiated by YBhg. Dato' Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Secretary General of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, standing in for YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zarul Aziz, who also delivered a powerful keynote.
More than 400 industry stakeholders filled the hall, a clear sign that this wasn't just a handshake, it was a strategic move with real momentum.
![]() |
YBhg. Dato' Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Secretary General, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Delivering His Keynote Speech |
So, what's the big deal?
Well, this partnership isn't just about hotels. It's about positioning Malaysia as the hub for regional tourism and investment.
It's about creating jobs, empowering SMEs, and embedding sustainability into the very fabric of hospitality.
It's about making sure that when people think of Southeast Asia, they think of Malaysia first.
RJJ Hotels: More Than Just A Name
The launch of RJJ Hotels comes with a suite of agreements that signal serious intent which include;
- A Management License Agreement between RJJ Hotels and Jin Jiang Hotels China Region
- The MLA was signed by Dato' Sri Shaheen and Zhang Zhonghao, Senior Vice President of Jin Jiang Hotels China Region, and witnessed by Zhao Qi, Party Committee Secretary and Chairman of Jin Jiang International with senior representatives from RIYAZ and Jin Jiang International.
- A Joint Venture Agreement with Permodalan Satok Berhad for the Metropolo Jinjiang Hotel Sarawak project
![]() |
Joint Venture (JV) Signing - RIYAZ International & Permodalan Satok Berhad |
- 11 Hotel Management Agreements and MoU across Malaysia
![]() |
Hotel Management Agreements & Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) Signing Ceremony |
![]() |
Hotel Management Agreements & Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) Signing Ceremony |
These aren't just paper promises. They are the foundation for a new wave of hospitality that blends RIYAZ's local expertise with Jin Jiang's global reach.
And if you are wondering what kind of hotels we are talking about, think variety.
Through RJJ Hotels, five of Jin Jiang's brands will be introduced to Southeast Asia;
- Metropolo Jinjiang Hotels
- Mid-to-high end business hotels blending Eastern aesthetics with Western elements
![]() |
Metropolo Jinjiang Hotels |
- Lavande Hotels
- Mid-range business hotels featuring lavender and fragrance culture
![]() |
Lavande Hotels |
- Jinjiang Inn
- China's first economy chain hotel brand known for functional design and warmth
![]() |
Jinjiang Inn |
- Ginco Hotel
- High-end resort hotels offering tranquil Eastern experiences
![]() |
Ginco Hotel |
- Renjoy Hotel
- Mid-to-high-end resorts integrating Chinese architectural aesthetics with local nature and culture
![]() |
Renjoy Hotel |
From business travelers to backpackers, there is something for everyone.
Malaysia as the Anchor
One of the most powerful moments of the event came during the keynote speech.
The value of a partnership like this will be measured not just by rooms opened, but by the quality of opportunities it creates for Malaysians: by how many SMEs join the value chain; by how many young people receive world-class training, and by how effectively we embed sustainability from energy efficiency to waste reduction into daily operations. said YBhg. Dato' Hairil Yahri Yaacob.
Because at the end of the day, hospitality isn't just about buildings, it's about people.
It's about who runs the property, the fresh graduate learning the ropes at the front desk, the chef experimenting with local ingredients to wow international guests.
This partnership is about creating a ripple effect that lifts the entire ecosystem.
RIYAZ: Homegrown and World-Class
If you are not familiar with RIYAZ International, let me introduce you.
Founded in 2008, RIYAZ built a reputation for excellence through its award-winning brands like The RIYAZ, Dash, The Pure, and AQVA.
![]() |
Dato' Sri Shaheen, Group Managing Director, RIYAZ International and RJJ Hotels Delivering His Speech At The Ceremony |
They have always had a knack for blending style with substance and now, they are taking that flair regional.
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 reach, we are shaping growth that puts Malaysia at the center of Southeast Asia's tourism story. said Dato' Sri Shaheen, Group Managing Director RIYAZ International and RJJ Hotels.
This is the kind of leadership we need, indeed bold, visionary and rooted in local pride.
Jin Jiang: Global Giant, Local Heart
On the other side of the partnership is Jin Jiang Hotels China Region, part of Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels Co., Ltd.
With over 17,000 hotels and 1.6 million rooms across 55 countries.
They are not just big, they are massive.
But what impressed me most was their approach.
Southeast Asia is central to our growth strategy and Malaysia resilience makes it the natural hub. Working with RIYAZ gives us the local insight to bring global resources into the region and deliver hospitality that creates long-term value. said Zhou Wei, Vice President of Jin Jiang International.
It's not just about expansion, it's about representing local culture, understanding the market and building something that lasts.
RIYAZ International and Jin Jiang Hotels China Region reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable hospitality growth, with Malaysia as the anchor and Southeast Asia as the next frontier.
What's Next?
What does this mean for you and me?
It means more choices when we travel. It means better service, more job opportunities, and a stronger economy.
It means Malaysia stepping confidently onto the global stage, not just as a destination but as a leader in hospitality innovation.
And for those of us who love storytelling, culture and connection, it means more stories to tell, more moments to capture, more reasons to be proud of where we come from.
About Jin Jiang Hotels China Region
Jin Jiang Hotels China Region forms part of Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels Co. Ltd, a leading hotel group in China.
Jin Jiang Hotels oversees the operations and brand development of several of the group's homegrown brands, including Metropolo Jinjiang Hotels, Lavande Hotels, and Jinjiang Inn, focusing on the entire range of category from luxury, upscale, mid-to-upscale, and mid-scale to economy segments.
As of its latest reporting, Jin Jiang Hotels owns and/or manages over 17,300 hotels with more than 1.64 million guest rooms over 55 countries, serving the high-end, mid-range and economy market.
The group supports a global loyalty programme exceeding 200 million members.
For more information on the company, log onto Jin Jiang Hotels' website.
RJJ Hotels Sdn. Bhd.
RJJ Hotels is a subsidiary of RIYAZ International Sdn. Bhd., a full-service hotel management company oversees the operations of a collection of signature resorts regionally, including the vibrant dash brand.
Competently led by a team of versatile individuals, RJJ Hotels not only specializes in hotel management, but also incorporates an international standard design team to curate innovative spaces that go above and beyond the standard experience.
For more information on the group, log onto RJJ Hotels' website & RIYAZ International's website.
Signing Off For Now And Take Care Till We e-Meet Again On My Next Post.
For Collaboration Or Any Inquiry, Feel Free To Email Me At kitkatnelfei@gmail.com.
0 Comments