Malaysia probes Balaji Srinivasan's Network School over immigration claims

Malaysia’s Home Affairs Ministry opened an investigation into Network School on Tuesday after Israelis were among the participants in Balaji Srinivasan’s Forest City community. The probe puts a Silicon Valley-linked project, marketed to digital nomads and startup workers, under the scrutiny of immigration authorities, police and other agencies in a country where Israeli passport holders are generally barred from entry.

Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi has also pushed for a comprehensive investigation. Authorities should check the identities and nationalities of those involved, the validity of their travel documents, the type of immigration passes or facilities granted, the purpose of entry into Malaysia and whether the rules were followed. The federal ministry will review possible breaches of immigration law, misuse of passes and any false information, while state agencies will examine licensing, land-use and business compliance as well.

Network School, launched in 2024 in Forest City near Singapore, is a “frontier community for techno-optimists” and a “startup society.” Srinivasan said the first cohort drew more than 4,000 applications from more than 80 countries for 128 slots.

In May, Srinivasan sought closer cooperation with Malaysian policymakers, including discussions about visas and digital-economy support, and floated ideas for faster entry routes for Network School participants. Last October, a promotional video featuring Nuseir Yassin, known as Nas Daily, drew controversy in Malaysia after it showed Johor landmarks and views of Singapore; the video has since been removed.