Statement by Camilla Sayfutdinova on her recovery and her experience in Malaysia

Statement

First, I want to thank my family, friends, colleagues and partners for their prayers and kind wishes during my recovery. Your support carried me through the most difficult period of my life.
I would like to share, briefly and responsibly, what I experienced. I came to Malaysia as a student, hoping to join its startup and innovation ecosystem. Instead, during my student years, I was directed into part-time work in environments incompatible with my faith and values as a Muslim.
In the years that followed, I experienced harassment and pressure from certain individuals and business counterparties. I believe their conduct seriously harmed my health, my finances and my work. I also faced unwelcome pressure regarding my religious beliefs. I respect all faith communities, and I believe faith must always remain a matter of free personal choice.
These events caused significant losses to Motivech. They led to the cancellation of the Fintech Summit we had planned in Kuala Lumpur and interrupted projects such as FinFin, our fintech school for young people.
These matters will be pursued through the appropriate legal channels. Out of respect for that process, I will not name any individual or organisation, or comment further on the specifics.
I want to be clear that I hold the Government and the people of Malaysia in high regard, and I value the friendships I have built here over many years.
I hope my experience can contribute to something constructive: better protection for international students, including those from Central Asia and the CIS. They should be guided towards genuine educational and professional opportunities, have access to fairly paid internships, and be protected from exploitation.
Looking ahead, my focus is on Horizon, our pan-Asian financial infrastructure programme, and on contributing to a strong economic recovery across Asia. Alhamdulillah for everything. May Allah protect us all.


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