Israeli citizen claims rock Network School in Johor’s Forest City
Malaysian authorities are investigating the 'Network School' project in Forest City following allegations that it hosted Israeli citizens using secondary passports. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stated that any Israeli nationals found involved will be deported, citing Malaysia's lack of diplomatic ties with Israel.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the intersection of international geopolitics, national security, and the regulation of foreign-led tech initiatives in Malaysia.
Network School, a tech start-up co-living and co-working project, is now at the centre of a controversy after allegations that it has hosted Israeli participants using second-country passports.
Listen Summarise Network School, a tech co-living project in Johor's Forest City, faces investigation over allegations of Israeli participants using second-country passports, prompting calls for deportation by Malaysian authorities. Network School was founded by Balaji Srinivasan to create a "network state" for tech entrepreneurs, offering a paid three-month programme with co-living and co-working facilities in a struggling mega development. Public concern grew after political leaders and activist groups raised national security risks, accusing Network School of allowing Israeli nationals to bypass Malaysia's ban and potentially influence local developments. AI generated
SINGAPORE – In 2024, American entrepreneur and investor Balaji Srinivasan – formerly chief technology officer of cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase – founded a technology start-up co-living and co-working project in Johor’s Forest City.
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