By Ma Chee Seng
KUCHING, Aug 13: Sarawak’s tourism sector is set to gain a major boost as Permodalan Satok Berhad (PSB) and Riyaz International Sdn Bhd join forces to manage and operate selected branded hotel assets in the State, with plans to expand beyond Kuching to Miri and Bintulu.
The strategic partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) witnessed today by Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre, Karim described the collaboration as a timely move that would strengthen Sarawak’s position in the regional tourism market.
Riyaz International, which maintains strong ties with China’s prominent hotel group Jin Jiang, brings global hotel management expertise to the partnership.
“With Jin Jiang’s international reach, Sarawak’s name can be promoted worldwide, even to guests in hotels they manage across the globe,” he said, adding that such exposure would be a valuable marketing advantage for the State.
Under the agreement, the two companies will oversee selected branded hotel properties in Sarawak, with expansion plans targeting Miri and Bintulu.
Karim expressed confidence that the partnership would introduce higher standards in hotel management, marketing strategies, and service delivery.
He emphasised the importance of networking and professional expertise in tourism marketing, noting that with reputable partners such as Riyaz International, Sarawak’s hospitality sector could achieve new heights.
“Congratulations to both PSB and Riyaz International. I believe this partnership will not only improve how our hotels are managed but also how they are marketed to the world,” he said.
Present at the signing were Permodalan Satok Berhad executive chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Abdul Aziz, and Riyaz International Sdn Bhd managing director Dato’ Sri Mohammed Shaheen Shah Mohd Sidek. — DayakDaily
