Azhan Shafriman Hanif, better known as Shafriman, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sepang International Circuit (SIC). Officially taking on the role on 8 April 2020, he brings ample experience from the commercial and sponsorship side of motorsports, having led the Strategic Alliance team at PETRONAS’ Group Strategic Communications.

Shafriman joined the Strategic Alliance team back in 2012 and since then, he has become well-versed in the ins and outs of the motorsports world - learning the ropes of motorsports from PETRONAS leaders and industry captains. He accumulated a wealth of experience in activating corporate motorsports sponsorships and strategic partnerships with OEMs, managing and evaluating talent development performance in both 2-wheel and 4-wheel motorsports as well as maximising branding exposure through motorsports sponsorship platforms in the F1, MotoGP and Cub Prix.

Shafriman also played a key role in PETRONAS’ rise to global prominence as the title sponsor and technical partner for Mercedes AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and the official fuel supplier for Moto2 and Moto3 in the MotoGP World Championship – a significant recognition of PETRONAS’ Fluid Technology Solutions for the demanding global motorsports arena.

Coming on board during economic upheaval and postponement of sporting events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Shafriman is tackling the business shortfall in the short term, strategising the way forward amidst the economic uncertainties; focusing on operational excellence, governance and process control , in addition to the sustainability efforts and new partnerships in the long term.

He is also overseeing the completion of the SIC Master Plan activated in 2014, that aims to turn the circuit into Asia's cutting edge sports and edutainment hub – a multifaceted facility that encourages repeat visits throughout the year. With the completion of developments like the SIC Motorsports Park, enhancement and expansion of facilities including the construction of a new South Paddock and Paddock Chalets, and installation of circuit lights for night racing, the upcoming developments include a Driving Experience Centre, off-road circuit, drag circuit, hotel and theme park within SIC’s 300-hectare grounds.

A mechanical engineer by training – majoring in manufacturing and material science, Shafriman started his career with Favelle Favco, as a Manufacturing Engineer until year 2000. He then joined Mecomb Malaysia, an Engineering and Instruments Specialist company within the Sime Darby Group as a Sales Engineer. After 6 years with the company, Shafriman made his career move to PETRONAS in 2007 with the LPG Business Division of PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad based in Johor Bahru.

A passionate sports fan, Shafriman loves team sports such as football, basketball and volleyball, besides spending time playing virtual sports and video games in his younger years. During his pastime, he enjoys reading self-improvement books, watching series and movies on Netflix and listening to universal genres in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Korean on Spotify.