H World to Open Three New JI Hotels in Malaysia and Cambodia by 2026, Enhancing Its Regional Portfolio and Meeting Growing Tourism Demand

Published on September 21, 2025

H World Group, a leading global hospitality company, is expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia with the introduction of three new JI Hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This marks a historic moment for the group, as it enters the Malaysian market and solidifies its growing presence across Southeast Asia. With plans to open these properties in 2026, this expansion reflects H World’s commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable hospitality to travelers in the region, underpinned by the well-established reputation of its JI Hotel brand.

The new hotels will offer travelers access to a modern, value-driven stay experience, blending traditional oriental aesthetics with contemporary comfort, creating an inviting atmosphere for both business and leisure guests. As part of H World’s broader strategy to build an asset-light portfolio, these properties reflect the company’s deepened engagement with Southeast Asia’s thriving hospitality market. With these new openings, H World is paving the way for its continued growth in the region and further establishing itself as a leader in international hospitality.

H World’s Growing Influence in Southeast Asia

The signing of the new JI Hotel properties in Kuala Lumpur and Phnom Penh represents a strategic step forward in H World’s regional expansion. Following recent successes in neighboring countries, the group’s entry into Malaysia and the deeper penetration into Cambodia is a testament to its long-term vision and adaptability in diverse markets.

• JI Hotel Downtown Kuala Lumpur – Expected to open in Q4 of 2026, this 101-room hotel will be located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Dang Wangi district, offering guests convenient access to the city’s cultural landmarks and business districts. Designed with a blend of oriental aesthetics and modern amenities, the property will cater to both business travelers and tourists seeking a comfortable, stylish stay.
• JI Hotel Phnom Penh City Center – Opening in Q2 2026, this 130-room hotel will be centrally located in the heart of Phnom Penh’s business and government district. The transformation of an existing building into a midscale hotel will set a new benchmark for hospitality in the Cambodian capital, offering a standardized yet flexible model that meets the growing demand for high-quality, affordable lodging.
• JI Hotel Phnom Penh Mekong Riverside – Scheduled to open in Q3 2026, this 110-room new-build property will feature breathtaking views of the Mekong River. Positioned in close proximity to cultural landmarks, this hotel will combine river-view dining with local Khmer cultural experiences, providing guests with an immersive and enriching stay.

Expanding the JI Hotel Brand: A Strategic Move for H World

H World Group aims to expand its global presence with an increasing number of properties under its JI Hotel brand, which has been highly successful in the Chinese market. By introducing this brand to Southeast Asia, H World is not only bringing an established, recognized Chinese hotel brand to international markets but also leveraging its extensive expertise in hospitality operations, supply chain management, and digital capabilities. This strategy is in line with H World’s asset-light model, allowing for rapid growth while maintaining cost efficiency and flexibility in its operations.

• Commitment to Quality: Each JI Hotel is designed to offer affordable, value-driven hospitality without compromising on comfort. By focusing on the needs of the modern traveler, H World aims to provide excellent service and a satisfying stay at a reasonable price point.
• Expansion in Southeast Asia: The company’s recent developments underscore its dedication to expanding its footprint in key Southeast Asian markets. H World’s presence in Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand is helping the company establish a strong network of properties throughout the region.
• Localized Adaptation: In addition to its strong operational model, H World adapts its offerings to the local culture and preferences of each market, ensuring that each property delivers a tailored experience while maintaining the company’s high standards.

Strategic Partnerships and Developments in the Region

The success of these new hotels is made possible through strong local partnerships and strategic collaborations with regional developers. For example, the JI Hotel Downtown Kuala Lumpur will be developed in partnership with Saadiq Tri Venture, and the JI Hotel Phnom Penh City Center is being brought to life through collaboration with Liu Guangyu, an investor focused on the rapid growth of Cambodia’s hospitality sector. These partnerships play a crucial role in ensuring that the new hotels are well-positioned to meet the demand of growing tourism and business activity in these cities.

• Saadiq Tri Venture: The collaboration with Saadiq Tri Venture for the Kuala Lumpur property reflects both parties’ shared commitment to delivering high-quality, value-driven hospitality to Malaysia’s vibrant capital.
• Liu Guangyu: Liu’s investment in the Phnom Penh City Center hotel is focused on meeting the expanding demand for midscale hotels in the region, aligning with the local market’s needs for accessible yet comfortable accommodations.

H World’s Growing Portfolio and Global Ambitions

These latest signings add to H World’s rapidly expanding portfolio of over 6,000 hotels across the world. With notable brands such as Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, MAXX, and JI Hotel in its portfolio, the company continues to build a diverse range of properties to cater to different market segments, from luxury to midscale.

• Recent Milestones: In July 2025, H World entered the Cambodian market with the signing of Steigenberger Phnom Penh, marking its first venture into the luxury sector in the country. In May 2025, H World also made significant strides in Laos, with four new hotel signings across Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
• JI Hotel Orchard Road: The announcement of these new properties coincides with the sixth anniversary of JI Hotel Orchard Road Singapore, the brand’s first overseas property, which has seen consistent success and growth in the competitive Singapore market.

Strengthening Regional Business and Tourism Infrastructure

H World’s new hotels will not only cater to the growing demands of the business and tourism sectors in Southeast Asia but also contribute significantly to the local economies of Kuala Lumpur and Phnom Penh. By offering a mix of modern amenities, excellent service, and cultural immersion, these hotels will elevate the guest experience while supporting the region’s hospitality infrastructure.

• Business and Leisure Travelers: The Kuala Lumpur and Phnom Penh hotels will cater to both business travelers seeking convenience and leisure tourists interested in exploring the cultural and historical sites of these dynamic cities.
• Sustainable Growth: With its focus on sustainability and responsible development, H World is committed to ensuring that its hotels contribute positively to the communities in which they operate, helping to support local employment, tourism growth, and the development of the regional hospitality sector.

Looking Ahead: H World’s Future Plans

H World continues to scale its presence in the Asia Pacific region and beyond, with plans to introduce additional properties in emerging markets. As it expands its portfolio, the company remains focused on delivering high-quality hospitality experiences to travelers while ensuring that each new development supports long-term growth and profitability.

• Local Adaptation and Global Standards: As part of its ongoing expansion strategy, H World will continue to adapt its offerings to meet the specific needs and preferences of travelers in each market, all while maintaining the global standards that have made its brands successful worldwide.

Conclusion: A New Era for Hospitality in Southeast Asia

The launch of JI Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Phnom Penh marks a pivotal moment in H World’s mission to become a leading player in Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry. By combining high-quality service, localized experiences, and strategic partnerships, H World is setting the stage for long-term success in the region. With these new hotels opening in 2026, travelers can look forward to innovative, value-driven hospitality that blends oriental aesthetics with modern comfort, offering an exceptional stay for both business and leisure visitors.