Serial tech investor Balaji Srinivasan has been engaging Malaysian policymakers to promote his “Network School” initiative, while also proposing policy support to strengthen its presence in the country.
According to people familiar with closed-door meetings last month, the former Coinbase executive met officials including Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo to discuss closer collaboration between the government and his startup school project, which aims to attract global tech talent to Southeast Asia.
He also presented ideas including a revamped Malaysian visa application system and suggested fast-track visa arrangements for Network School participants, allowing longer stays than standard tourist passes.
The discussions reportedly covered opportunities in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, digital finance and cross-border ecosystems.
Srinivasan launched the Network School in 2024 as part of his broader vision to build tech-focused communities, an idea linked to his concept of “network states” outlined in his 2022 book The Network State: How to Start a New Country.
The programme has been based in Johor’s Forest City development, where it has attracted tech entrepreneurs and hosted industry figures including Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin.
During a visit in April, Minister Gobind Singh Deo toured the site, met participants and was briefed on various blockchain and AI-related projects. He later described Malaysia as a rising destination for global tech talent in a social media post, which was subsequently removed for unclear reasons.
The initiative comes amid growing interest in digital assets and blockchain in Malaysia, with government leaders and industry players increasingly exploring regulatory frameworks and innovation opportunities in the sector.
