Latest news with #Malaysian-owned
The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Foreign recruitment firms bypassing local agents raise concerns
MELAKA: Foreign recruitment agencies engaging directly with Malaysian businesses must be scrutinised immediately, says a business group. In expressing concerns over the matter, Melaka Indian Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship vice-president Datuk Ignatius Lourdsamy (pic) said the practice of companies bypassing local recruitment firms when hiring foreign workers is undermining the integrity of the labour market. 'Such practices not only weaken the local economy but also expose foreign workers to potential exploitation, including job scams,' he said in an interview. Lourdsamy said when companies source workers directly through overseas agencies, foreign workers would be deprived of adequate legal protection. He said local employment agencies were required to obtain a 'Licence C' from the Human Resources Ministry to legally supply foreign workers. 'However, foreign agencies do not hold such licences,' he said. This, he explained, created unfair competition within the industry as local agencies must meet strict licensing requirements such as maintaining operational premises and providing a bank guarantee of RM250,000. 'In contrast, many foreign agencies operate without these obligations, giving them an unfair advantage in the market,' he said. Lourdsamy also said the situation was further exacerbated by the absence of a proper quota system and the lack of restrictions on recruitment allocations. As a solution, he proposed a structured framework where each licenced local agency would be granted a quota to recruit 1,000 foreign workers annually. 'Agencies with foreign shareholding should be limited to half that number. This approach can create a level playing field and support Malaysian-owned firms,' he said. He also urged stakeholders to consider the loss of government revenue, resulting from the activities of unregistered foreign agencies, which are not subject to Malaysian taxation. 'These lost revenues could otherwise contribute to infrastructure development, social programmes and national economic growth,' he said. Lourdsamy said foreign agencies must be compelled to register locally and comply with mandatory taxation requirements. 'A structured taxation regime would ensure all recruitment agencies contribute fairly to national development,' he added.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jin Jiang Hotels China Region and RIYAZ International Sdn. Bhd, form RJJ Hotels Sdn Bhd to drive Cross-Border Hospitality Collaboration
New Hotel Management Agreement signed with Sanher Investment & Development Co. Ltd. to build the first Metropolo Hotel in Southeast Asia SINGAPORE, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RIYAZ International Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysian-owned hospitality and lifestyle group, has entered into a landmark strategic partnership with Jin Jiang Hotels China Region (Jin Jiang Hotels), the world's second-largest hotel group, to form a new joint venture: RJJ Hotels Sdn. Bhd. (RJJ Hotels). The first Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) was signed on 3rd May 2025 for a property in Luang Prabang, Laos, marking the inaugural milestone across Southeast Asia for RJJ Hotels Sdn Bhd. RJJ has been granted licensing rights to manage and expand five renowned brands under Jin Jiang Hotels across Southeast Asia. The joint venture targets to sign 181 hotel management agreements and to have 108 hotels in operations over the next five years across key growth markets including Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos. Laos Marked as the First Milestone with RJJ Agreement The first Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) signed in Luang Prabang, Laos, is by Sanher Investment & Development Co. Ltd. The hotel will carry one of Jin Jiang Hotels' largest and most historic portfolios, The Metropolo, and is scheduled to open in early 2026. Metropolo properties are designed as 4- to 5-star equivalents, typically featuring 100 rooms or more, and are positioned in main cities with strong historical identity. The brand is known for delivering classic luxury while incorporating local cultural elements into its design and 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 as Southeast Asia's Operational Headquarters RJJ Hotels and Jin Jiang Hotels mark the first large-scale international expansion, with Malaysia, currently serving as ASEAN Chair, selected as the headquarters for RJJ Hotels. In 2024, Malaysia welcomed over 25 million international tourists, and over the next three years, it will host major regional events including the ASEAN Summit, Visit Malaysia 2026, and the Southeast Asian Games, highlighting its role as a strategic hub for hospitality and investment. "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. Through this collaboration, RJJ Hotels will manage five hotel brands under the Jin Jiang portfolio: METROPOLO JINJIANG HOTELS – Upscale 4 & 5-star city hotels GINCO HOTEL – Luxury 5-star resort RENJOY HOTEL – Upscale 5-star resort LAVANDE – Midscale business hotel JINJIANG INN – Premium economy hotel These brands are expected to anchor RJJ Hotels' presence in key urban and leisure destinations, with discussions already underway with owners in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Jakarta, Bali, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, and Manila. Investor Conference and Launch Scheduled for August 2025 An investor conference launch event to mark the collaboration between RJJ Hotels and Jin Jiang Hotels is scheduled on 27th August, which will be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), bringing together over 400 Chinese and regional investors, offering attendees a first-hand look at the quality of the Jin Jiang Hotel brands and learn of upcoming developments. Developers, hotel owners, suppliers, and investors are invited to attend and explore partnership opportunities. The event will also introduce the Jin Jiang Global Purchasing Platform (GPP) in Southeast Asia. Managed by NOVAC Hospitality Sdn. Bhd., GPP will provide streamlined access to Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FF&E) as well as Operating Supplies and Equipment (OS&E), offering cost savings, quality consistency, and faster rollouts to support regional expansion. For more information about RJJ Hotels, please log on to To express interest or request an invitation to the event, please send an email to enquiry@ Jin Jiang Hotels China Region Jin Jiang Hotels China Region forms part of Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels (Group) Company Limited—a leading hotel group in China. Jin Jiang Hotels oversee the operations and brand development of several of the group's homegrown brands, including Metropolo, Lavande, and Jinjiang Inn, focusing on the select-service and mid- to upscale segments. As of its latest reporting, Jin Jiang Hotels owns and/or manages over 10,000 hotels with more than 1.4 million guest rooms across 68 countries, serving the high-end, mid-range, and economy markets. Through its network, which includes brands under Radisson Hotel Group, Groupe du Louvre, Plateno Group, and Vienna Hotel Group, the group supports a global loyalty programme exceeding 200 million members. For more information on the company, log onto About 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 experiences. For more information on the group, log onto & View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE RIYAZ International Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Malay Mail
22-04-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Biotech firms Central Corporate Engineering, Oasis Xtract ink partnership to produce heterotrophic microalgae
PUTRAJAYA, April 22 — Biotechnology firms Central Corporate Engineering Sdn Bhd (CCESB) and Oasis Xtract Sdn Bhd today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to produce microalgae under heterotrophic conditions without relying on sunlight. The MoU signing saw CCESB founder and managing director Tham Weng Kong and Oasis Xtract executive chairman Abdul Rahim Ghouse exchanging documents in the presence of Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang at Pulse Grande Hotel Putrajaya. The partnership will see the integration of CCESB modular cultivation methods and Oasis Xtract's patented technology to develop a fully-integrated, commercial-scale green fuel production system. For the uninitiated, microalgae are microscopic, single-celled photosynthetic organisms typically found in freshwater and marine systems. They are a vital part of the ecosystem, producing a significant amount of the world's oxygen, while being a source of various compounds with potential application in food, medicine and biofuel production. According to Tham, the technology is one of its kind for a commercial-scale microalgae cultivation using a closed tank system. 'Hence, we only require a small land space, compared to other systems,' said Tham, adding that the technology is fully Malaysian-owned. Tham said the algae harvest can be translated into products with high market value. 'The applications include biomass for electricity generation and animal feed. This is suitable to be further processed to become biofuel, biodiesel, sustainable aviation fuel, bioplastics or even oil for cosmetics and pharmaceutical purposes,' he added. He noted the company will also commence construction of five-acre commercial-scale cultivation facilities using a closed tank system in June. Chang lauded the partnership, and the MoU would strengthen the nation's innovation ecosystem, advance green technology and ensure long-term resilience through sustainable economic drivers. 'I had the opportunity to visit CCE's facility in Semenyih last year, and I must say, I was genuinely impressed. Their pilot algae cultivation system is designed, developed, and managed entirely in-house. It is a testament to what local innovation and persistence can achieve. 'What is even more impressive is that their algae cultivation does not need sunlight, so it can run smoothly without being affected by the weather. This kind of heterotrophic cultivation, the closed-tank method, helps ensure consistent and high-quality results and is a big step forward in green biotechnology,' he added.
BBC News
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bristol Arena: U-turns, rows and Covid lead to decades of delay
After more than 20 years of promises, bitter rows and tens of millions of pounds spent, the prospect of a music arena in Bristol is inching closer. The chief executive of the company behind the project has said The 19,000-seater YTL Arena "will open in 2028" after years of delays. First announced in 2018, the latest plans for the arena will place it at the centre of the Brabazon development in Filton, which will also include 6,500 with concert goers facing at least another three year wait until the music kicks in, many will be asking why has it taken so long? The start of a long journey Plans for an arena in Bristol were first mooted in 2003 as part of the city's bid to become the European Capital of Culture for 2008. Plans for a 10,000 capacity multi-purpose venue on a brownfield site near Temple Meads station formed part of the bid. Bristol's bid failed - and despite buying land earmarked for the arena, the city council shelved the plans in 2007, claiming it wasn't "viable" amid spiralling costs. Back and forth to Temple Meads In 2009, new plans for a 15,000-seater music and sport venue were floated at a site in Ashton Vale close to where Bristol City Football Club wanted to build a new three years later, the city council said it wanted to revive the plans on the Temple Meads site - with the then Liberal Democrat council committing to funding 2014, plans for a 12,000-capacity venue were approved by the authority, which was spearheaded by the then city mayor George Ferguson. But the £92.5m project was beset by delays and rising costs, with the opening date pushed back to 2018. In 2016, there was confusion over plans to build an eight-storey car park at the site, with councillors deferring a final decision on the plans due to a "lack of detail" around infrastructure. In 2017, the arena became the battleground for bitter infighting at City Hall - with Mayor Marvin Rees claiming "nothing was off the table" when it came to its January 2018, he confirmed he was considering a privately-funded offer from the Malaysian-owned construction company YTL to move the project to the Filton site - before scrapping plans at Temple Meads the following decision, which went against council recommendations, showed "contempt for democracy", some councillors said. Following the mayor's announcement, the Labour MP for the Temple Meads area, Karyn Smyth claimed millions of pounds had been spent to "achieve precisely nothing" and that her constituents "deserved better". Take off at Filton In 2019, YTL revealed its plans for an arena on the former Filton 17,000-capacity venue was then given the go-ahead by Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire Council and the Government. In 2023, YTL admitted "challenges" brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic meant the arena wouldn't open until 2026 at the latest. The developer has now said the project is "ready to go" and is set to open in three years' time. While construction is yet to begin on the arena, work on a railway station to bring concert-goers to the venue is under this week revealed plans for a large public square next to the proposed new station, to be called called Station hundreds of people have already bought and moved into new homes as part of the development, and there are plans for schools, student accommodation and sports facilities.
BBC News
17-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Bristol: YTL Arena in Filton 'will open in 2028'
Bristol's long-awaited arena "will open in 2028", the chief executive of the company behind it has said. The 19,000-seater YTL Arena, initially announced in 2018, is planned to be the centre of the Brabazon development in Filton, which will also include 6,500 homes. The huge scheme has been much delayed, with developers - Malaysian-owned YTL -initially saying it could be open by 2022. But Colin Skellett, the chief executive of YTL UK, has now said the project is "ready to go", after "lots of pricing, lots of detail". Asked how confident the firm was about this date, he said: "It's the best guarantee I can give you." The Brabazon arena has been promoted as a more affordable alternative to a previously council-backed site next to Bristol Temple Meads railway was first been proposed in 2003, but building work never started. More news stories for BristolWatch the latest Points WestListen to the latest news for Bristol Since the project moved to the Filton site there have been delays, and from the outside the giant existing aircraft hangers look unchanged. YTL say some internal preparatory work has been done, but Mr Skellet explained that that the Covid-19 pandemic had set progress back. While construction is yet to begin on the arena, work on a railway station to bring concert-goers to the venue is under way. The brand new station, North Filton, is set open as an unstaffed station in late 2026, though this is set to be enlarged later when the arena nears completion. Elsewhere, hundreds of people have already bought and moved into new homes as part of the development, and there are plans for schools, student accommodation and sports facilities.
