Johor government calls for probe into startup community based in Forest City over alleged Israeli links
The Network School brands itself as a physical co-living and co-learning community for tech founders, remote workers, and content creators located “on a Malaysian island off the coast of Singapore”.
Launched in 2024, the Network School is a private residential community in Forest City founded by former Coinbase chief technology officer and investor Balaji Srinivasan. (Photo: Network School)
Read a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST
Tap here to return to FAST
FAST
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor state government has called for a probe into the operations of a startup community based in the Iskandar Puteri area following allegations that Israeli nationals have participated in its programme using second passports from other countries.
In a statement on Tuesday (Jul 14), Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi – who was recently sworn in for his second term – said that his state government is aware of public concerns over the operations of Network School in Johor’s Forest City.
The Network School brands itself as a physical co-living and co-learning community for tech founders, remote workers, and content creators located “on a Malaysian island off the coast of Singapore”.
“I affirm that the Johor state government will not allow any party to use this state as a base for introducing ideologies or movements that conflict with the laws, sovereignty, and interests of Johor and Malaysia,” he said.
Israeli passport holders are banned from entering Malaysia without prior permission from the Home Affairs Ministry as both countries do not maintain diplomatic ties.
Onn Hafiz said that he had asked the ministry, Immigration Department, police, Customs Department and other relevant security agencies to investigate the identities and nationalities of those involved with the Network School.
This also included investigations into the purpose of their entry into Malaysia and whether the reason for entering the country was consistent with the activities being carried out.
Authorities should also examine the travel documents and the alleged use of second passports by those linked to the organisation, he added.
Onn Hafiz said that the higher education and digital ministries as well as other relevant regulatory agencies have also been requested to determine the “true status of Network School’s operations”, including whether its programmes require registration or approval under Malaysian law.
CNA has reached out to Network School for comment.
Guess Word
Crack the word, one row at a time
Buzzword
Create words using the given letters
Mini Sudoku
Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser
Mini Crossword
Small grid, big challenge
Word Search
Spot as many words as you can
At the Johor state level, the Iskandar Puteri City Council, the Johor Land and Mines Office and relevant agencies will re-examine all compliance aspects under their respective jurisdictions, said Onn Hafiz.
This includes compliance with premises licence conditions, building usage, land express and special conditions, accommodation, business activities, and any other applicable legal or regulatory requirements.
“Should the investigation uncover any violations of the law, misuse of passports, breaches of license or land conditions, or any elements that could affect the state’s interests and national security, the state government urges that firm action be taken by the authorities without any compromise,” the Johor chief minister added.
“The state government will continue to act responsibly and in accordance with the law to protect the state’s interests and uphold national sovereignty.”
In October last year, Israeli vlogger Nuseir Yassin, also known as Nas Daily, sparked controversy after appearing in a video filmed in Johor promoting Network School, local news outlet the New Straits Times reported.
The video, which featured Johor landmarks and views of Singapore, has since been removed.
Launched in 2024, the Network School is a private residential community in Forest City founded by American entrepreneur and investor Balaji Srinivasan, Free Malaysia Today (FMT) reported.
According to its website, it is a “frontier community for techno-optimists” with memberships starting from US$1,500 a month for shared accommodation, including meals, gym access and co-working facilities.
The project is linked to Srinivasan’s idea of a “network state”, a digitally connected community that can eventually establish physical settlements with their own social and economic systems, reported FMT.
Source: Agencies/ia(as)
Sign up for our newsletters
Get the CNA app
Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories
Get WhatsApp alerts
Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST
Tap here to return to FAST
FAST
About The Author
