Malaysian-owned hospitality group Riyaz International has entered a joint venture with Jin Jiang Hotels China Region to establish RJJ Hotels, marking a significant regional expansion move. The partnership, announced with the signing of a hotel management agreement on May 3, aims to grow Jin Jiang’s presence across South-east Asia.
Under the joint venture, RJJ Hotels has been granted licensing rights to operate and grow five Jin Jiang brands in key markets including Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos. The venture targets 181 hotel management agreements and aims to have 108 hotels operational within five years.
The first hotel under this partnership, located in Luang Prabang, Laos, is being developed by Sanher Investment & Development. It will operate under the Metropolo brand, one of Jin Jiang’s largest and most established portfolios. The property is scheduled to open in early 2026. Metropolo hotels are positioned as four- to five-star properties, typically located in cities with strong historical character and offering more than 100 rooms.
Malaysia has been chosen as the headquarters for RJJ Hotels. As ASEAN chair and host to over 25 million international tourists in 2024, Malaysia will also hold several major regional events over the next three years, positioning it as a strategic base for regional hospitality investment.
RJJ Hotels will manage five brands under the Jin Jiang portfolio: Metropolo Jinjiang Hotels, an upscale four- to five-star city hotel brand; Ginco Hotel, a luxury five-star resort brand; Renjoy Hotel, an upscale five-star resort brand; Lavande, a midscale business hotel brand; and Jinjiang Inn, a premium economy hotel brand. These brands will anchor the group’s presence in both urban and leisure destinations.
Talks are underway with property owners in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Jakarta, Bali, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Ho Chi Minh City, Halong Bay, Hanoi, and Manila.
To mark the launch, an investor conference will be held on August 27, 2025, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, with over 400 Chinese and regional investors expected to attend. The event will also introduce the Jin Jiang Global Purchasing Platform in South-east Asia. Managed by Novac Hospitality, the platform will provide access to furniture, fixtures and equipment and operating supplies and equipment, supporting hotel rollouts across the region.
He has held several general manager positions at a number of hotels, including The Sarasvati in Bali, The Ritz-Carlton in Berlin, The JAFFA in Tel Aviv, and SO/Bangkok.
Shan’s background includes leading successful pre-openings, achieving strong business results, and bringing expertise in operations and leadership to support the property’s growth. His passion for hospitality, along with his commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, positions him to effectively lead the hotel into its next phase of development.
Originally from Taoyuan, Taiwan, Lu’s experience spans a range of properties, from resorts in Saipan to hotels in Shanghai. She now brings that international background to her new role in Singapore, where she will focus on team collaboration, guest experience, and operational improvement, drawing on a leadership style shaped by curiosity, resilience and a strong commitment to the industry.
