Yap Lip Seng
Chief Executive Officer | Hospitality Strategist
Driving operational excellence and regional expansion in Southeast Asia. I specialize in complex hospitality negotiations, contract engineering, and building portfolios that stand the test of time.
With more than two decades in the hospitality industry, I specialize in transforming property potential into operational reality. As the CEO of RIYAZ Hotels & Resorts and RJJ Hotels, I oversee the strategic expansion and management of Jin Jiang Hotels across Southeast Asia.
My career wasn't built on conventional pedigrees, but on a foundation of operational grit, sharp negotiation of complex HMAs and TSAs, and an uncompromising drive for performance.
I believe true leadership in hospitality requires both a microscopic view of daily operations and a macroscopic vision for market expansion. The industry is constantly evolving, and so am I.
Recommended Reads
Strategic Execution & Leadership
Contract Engineering
Extensive expertise in negotiating and structuring complex Hotel Management Agreements (HMAs) and Technical Services Agreements (TSAs). Focused on optimizing fee structures, enforcing performance tests, and safeguarding long-term portfolio profitability.
Regional Expansion
Driving the Southeast Asian operational footprint for the Jin Jiang brand. Recent milestones include overseeing the successful construction progress and rollout of the Metropolo Jinjiang Hotel in Luang Prabang.
Industry Presence
An active contributor to hospitality investment discourse and strategy. Featured speaker and panelist at various hospitality events and more recently the 6th Hospitality Malaysia Conference (HMC2026) and the Hotel Investment Summit Malaysia.
Strategic Advisory
Serving as a Strategic Advisor to A-Data. Leveraging extensive hospitality and operational expertise to guide strategic growth, market positioning, and the execution of data-driven business solutions.