Malaysia Orders Closure of Balaji Srinivasan’s Network School Over Licensing Issues

Malaysia has reportedly ordered the closure of Balaji Srinivasan’s Network School after authorities determined the startup-focused community was operating without the required licensing, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The decision affects the project’s current campus in Malaysia, while plans for expansion elsewhere continue.

The Network School describes itself as a community for entrepreneurs, founders and technology enthusiasts. The initiative is part of Srinivasan’s broader vision outlined in his book The Network State, which proposes a multi-stage plan for creating a new type of society built around digitally connected communities.

Malaysia cites licensing issues.

The current campus operates from a former hotel property in Malaysia. According to The Wall Street Journal, Malaysian authorities ordered the site to close because of licensing issues rather than the concept behind the project itself.

The publication described the program as combining elements of a technology incubator with a self-improvement retreat. Some attendees reportedly criticised the facilities, citing mould in accommodations, while others said the community offered limited social activities and lacked diversity among participants.

Srinivasan rejects criticism

After receiving questions from The Wall Street Journal, Srinivasan published a lengthy post on X disputing the publication’s characterisation of the project. He argued the newspaper was preparing what he described as a “hit piece” intended to portray him negatively instead of recognising the initiative as an early experiment in community building.

The report also noted that Srinivasan, an entrepreneur and investor, reportedly renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2023 and has since identified himself publicly as a Singaporean.

Project moves beyond Malaysia.

Although the Malaysian location is expected to shut down, the broader Network School initiative is continuing. Srinivasan recently announced an agreement to establish a new campus in Kazakhstan, signalling that the project will proceed despite the closure of its Malaysian site.