Shafiar Rana

Scholar background

Shafiar is a seasoned compliance and auditing expert, ensuring quality and ethical practices across textile, apparel, footwear and other manufacturing sectors in South Asia. Based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Shafiar currently leads the charge as the Manager of Global Factory Compliance Standards & Strategy at VF Corp. This powerhouse apparel producer boasts over 20 footwear and accessory brands, including household names like Vans, The North Face, and Timberland.

Shafiar's role is instrumental in driving VF's social compliance programs and environmental initiatives. He spearheads continuous improvement plans to ensure factories adhere to VF's Terms of Engagement and Global Compliance principles.

Shafiar's expertise wasn't built overnight. Prior to his tenure at VF Asia, he held various positions that supported industry-wide initiatives with local and international partners. These included roles like Compliance Associate at PVH Bangladesh (home to fashion giants Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger) and Responsible Sourcing Specialist at The Children's Place.

Shafiar holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance) from East West University. He also earned a Master of Global Trade from RMIT University through the prestigious Hinrich Global Trade Leader Scholarship Program.

Personal statement

Global trade should bring benefits for all and create equitable economic environments and positive social outcomes through growth, development, and cross-cultural learning – and I think sustainability is the key.

I believe that access to RIMT’s Master of Global Trade via the Hinrich Foundation’s Global Trade Leader scholarship program will provide a great stepping stone toward the betterment of the global trading system. It will provide a deeper understanding of the current and future challenges facing companies across value chains. It will also provide solutions for overcoming those challenges and succeeding in an ever-changing global economy. The knowledge provided through this program will allow me to develop my critical thinking skills and understand the global supply chain operation of my company in a better ways. This will allow me to support business growth and decision making.

The opportunity to engage with a diverse community of Hinrich Foundation scholars will broaden my vision and perspective and help me become a strong and efficient business leader. I believe that true development comes through exposure to varied experiences, and from the leaders who drive them. I am confident that this blended learning opportunity will help me grow and excel in my current role and will be a pathway for a global role in the future.