Balaji Srinivasan's Network School has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Republic of Kazakhstan to establish a new campus aimed at global techno-optimism, while Malaysian authorities revoke the project’s digital status due to licensing breaches.
The announcement was made via Srinivasan’s X account on July 21, 2026, detailing that the new campus will provide expedited visas, streamlined business redomiciliation, and active talent recruitment for entrepreneurs, developers, and technology professionals. Kazakhstan, which has been positioning itself as a regional hub for blockchain and digital assets, will host the facility as part of its broader push to attract Web3 innovation.
In contrast, the Forest City campus in Johor, Malaysia, faces shutdown. The Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) cancelled the business license of NSO Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., effective July 22, citing failure to meet premises usage conditions. Subsequently, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) initiated immediate revocation of the project’s Malaysia Digital status—a certification reserved for regulated digital companies. The government emphasized that no firm is above Malaysian law, while reaffirming openness to valuable digital investments.
This dual development highlights the divergent regulatory postures globally: some jurisdictions compete with incentives for blockchain talent, while others tighten enforcement. For crypto organizations, regulatory alignment is becoming as critical as technological innovation when selecting locations for expansion.
