Malaysia’s Immigration Department has confirmed that residents of The Network School possess valid travel documents. This announcement followed closely on July 15, 2026, a day after the Home Affairs Ministry began investigating possible immigration violations linked to the residents of this innovative co-living community founded by Balaji Srinivasan, a prominent figure in the tech world and former CTO of Coinbase.
The investigation arose from allegations circulating on social media that some Israeli nationals were potentially breaching Malaysian immigration laws by utilizing non-standard passports. Malaysia’s diplomatic stance complicates these claims, as the country does not officially recognize Israeli passports, adding a layer of political sensitivity to the situation.
Despite initial concerns, the Home Affairs Ministry initiated its investigation on July 14, and by the following day, the Immigration Department swiftly completed its review, verifying that all individuals at The Network School were appropriately documented. There were no enforcement actions taken, and no residents faced detention or deportation. Furthermore, no additional accusations have emerged concerning the community or its members, giving a sense of relief to those involved.
An Overview of The Network School
What exactly is The Network School? Established in 2024, this unique community is located within Forest City, a large mixed-use development in Johor, Malaysia, strategically positioned across from Singapore. Since its opening, the development has grappled with low occupancy rates.
Balaji Srinivasan, who has been vocal about the vision of "network states," founded The Network School to cultivate a space for technologists, entrepreneurs, and remote workers who share similar values and aspirations. In his 2022 book detailing his concept, Srinivasan describes network states as communities that utilize digital platforms to organize around shared beliefs and ultimately transition into physical entities. These communities develop their own governance and economies, potentially leading to international recognition.
The Network School seeks to become a hub for innovation, attracting individuals keen on collaboration and community-building within the tech sector. Importantly, the community is not tied to any specific tokens or protocols, focusing instead on the synergy of ideas and the creation of a supportive environment for its residents.