H World Expands JI Hotel Brand with New Openings in Malaysia and Cambodia

H World Expands JI Hotel Brand in Southeast Asia

In a significant move to strengthen its footprint in Southeast Asia, H World Group Limited has officially announced the opening of three new JI Hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This momentous occasion not only marks the group's debut in Malaysia but also further consolidates the JI Hotels brand in the region, which has seen a substantial increase in demand for high-quality hospitality services.

Exciting Developments in Malaysia and Cambodia

The new JI Hotel in Malaysia, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, is set to open its doors in the fourth quarter of 2026. This 101-room establishment, developed in partnership with Saadiq Tri Venture, promises to blend the traditional notions of oriental aesthetics with modern comforts in its design. President of H World Asia Pacific, Murphy Zhu, expressed enthusiasm about the new openings, emphasizing the importance of bringing a well-recognized Chinese brand to international markets. He remarked, "Introducing JI Hotel to Malaysia further extends our reach in Southeast Asia and underscores our commitment to diversifying our portfolio around the region."

Across the border, in Cambodia, two new properties will enhance JI Hotel's offerings: the JI Hotel Phnom Penh City Center and JI Hotel Phnom Penh Mekong Riverside. The City Center location, set to transform an existing building into a 130-room modern hospitality benchmark, is slated for opening in the second quarter of 2026. This property is strategically placed in Phnom Penh's central business area to cater to the rising demand for midscale accommodations.

The Mekong Riverside hotel is an exciting addition, featuring 110 rooms with stunning river views, scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2026. As Seng Leng, investor of the Mekong property, stated, "We aim to create a distinctive stay experience by combining Khmer cultural elements with our hotel's philosophy of oriental aesthetics." This integration of local culture and modern amenities stands to redefine hospitality standards in Cambodia.

A Stronger Regional Presence

H World’s initiative aligns with an ongoing expansion strategy across the Asia Pacific region. Earlier in July 2025, the group announced its entry into Cambodia with the signing of the Steigenberger Phnom Penh. Just a month prior, it solidified its presence in Laos, securing agreements to establish four new properties including IntercityHotel, Orange, and JI Hotel. These new projects illustrate H World's continued commitment to asset-light operations and their strategy of digital innovation.

The seventh anniversary of the JI Hotel Orchard Road in Singapore coincided with this announcement, highlighting the brand's successful track record since its inception. H World aims to further enhance its competitive edge in international markets and attract both travelers and investors through standardized yet locally adapted hospitality models.

Conclusion

As H World sets its sights on Southeast Asia, the introduction of the JI Hotel brand in Malaysia and its expansion into Cambodia represents a strategic enhancement of its portfolio. With a focus on delivering high-quality service, cultural integration, and operational excellence, H World is poised to redefine the hospitality landscape in these vibrant markets. The hospitality giant is on a mission to build lasting relationships and a long-term value proposition for its partners, all while reinforcing the global influence of Chinese hotel brands within the international arena.