After 15 years of exceptional service, Tan Sri Azman Yahya officially steps down as the Chairman of PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit (SIC), a company under Minister of Finance Incorporated (MOF Inc), and agency under Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS). His departure marks the end of a transformative era that firmly positioned SIC on the global motorsports map.
Tan Sri Azman Yahya joined SIC Board in 2010 and was appointed as Chairman in 2016. Under his leadership, SIC achieved consistent financial performance, global recognition, and significant infrastructure development.
Stepping into the role is Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz, who marks a historic milestone in gender representation in Malaysian sports leadership, as she becomes the first female Chairman.
YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports said, “Tan Sri Azman Yahya’s leadership has been nothing short of visionary. He transformed SIC into a world-class motorsports destination and his legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of leaders. We warmly welcome Datin Anita Azrina, whose depth of experience in motorsports and strategic brand- leadership makes her the ideal choice to guide SIC into its next exciting chapter as a thriving motorsports township and innovation hub.
A Legacy of Excellence : Tan Sri Azman Yahya
Tan Sri Azman Yahya demonstrated strategic foresight, financial discipline, and a deep commitment to SIC’s long-term vision. During his tenure as Chairman, SIC achieved a number of milestones:
- Successfully led negotiations for MotoGP™ contract extensions with DORNA Sports and Malaysian Government, ensuring Malaysia’s continued role as a host, marking the longest 34-year international sporting event in Malaysia’s
- Drove key infrastructure projects such as the Driving Experience Centre and Night Lights, which created new revenue streams for
- Secured a landmark 97-year land sublease, setting the foundation for SIC’s evolution into a full-fledged motorsports township.
- Established the PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team (PSRT), Malaysia’s first full-fledged MotoGP™ In 2020, PSRT was crowned Best Satellite Team, won the Independent Team Championship, and Best Independent Rider for Franco Morbidelli who finished second in the MotoGP™ World Championship.
- Maintained strong revenue generation during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating strong financial
- Pioneered motorsports talent development in Malaysia with key milestones including:
- Hafizh Syahrin is the first Malaysian Rider to compete full season in the MotoGP™ Premier Class (1000cc category).
- Hakim Danish becoming the first Malaysian to win the Asia Talent
- Qabil Irfan is the first Malaysian to win FIM MiniGP World Final for
Tan Sri Azman Yahya expressed, “I am deeply grateful to the SIC team, led by Dato’ Razlan Razali and later by Azhan Shafriman Hanif, without their dedication, all these achievements would not have been possible. I am extremely pleased to pass the baton to Datin Anita Azrina whom I am confident will bring fresh perspectives, renewed enthusiasm, and vision that will continue to uphold SIC’s status as a world-class motorsports hub.”
A New Era Begins : Datin Anita Azrina
With more than 30 years of experience in motorsports, corporate strategy, and stakeholder engagement, Datin Anita Azrina brings a proven track record to her new role. She is best known for leading PETRONAS’ landmark global Formula 1 sponsorship with Mercedes AMG PETRONAS, one of the sport’s most iconic partnerships.
She has held chairmanships at Petrosains, Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia and board roles at PETRONAS Lubricants International, Yayasan PETRONAS, and iCEP.
Datin Anita Azrina shared, “It is a great honour to take on this role at a time of exciting transformation. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to Tan Sri Azman Yahya for his exemplary leadership. I look forward to working with the Board and SIC team to build on that strong foundation he established and to drive SIC’s continued growth as a global motorsports and innovation hub.”
Azhan Shafriman Hanif, Chief Executive Officer of SIC added, “Tan Sri Azman’s exceptional leadership has been foundational to SIC’s transformation into a world-class motorsports venue. His guidance, particularly through the most challenging periods like the COVID-19 pandemic, has been invaluable to me and the entire team. We are deeply grateful for his mentorship and the legacy he leaves behind. As we look ahead, we are incredibly excited to work closely with Datin Anita Azrina, whose wealth of experience and passion will undoubtedly drive SIC to even greater heights.”