Balaji pivots to Kazakhstan after Network School loses Malaysia licence

Balaji Srinivasan’s Network School is preparing to establish a new campus in Kazakhstan as its operation in Malaysia faces tighter regulatory action.

Summary

• Network School signed a Kazakhstan agreement after Malaysian authorities revoked its Forest City business licence.
• Malaysia’s licensing dispute now overlaps with ongoing immigration scrutiny and possible loss of digital status.
• Kazakhstan offers Network School a base with expedited visas and easier redomiciliation for global talent.

Srinivasan announced on July 21 that Network School had signed a memorandum of understanding with Kazakhstan. He said the planned campus would offer expedited visas, streamlined redomiciliation and active recruitment of global talent. The agreement also covers cooperation involving education, artificial intelligence, startups, research and international technology events.

The move comes as Network School’s Forest City operation in Johor faces an order to stop activities. The Iskandar Puteri City Council revoked the business licence of NSO Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the company behind the campus, with the order taking effect on July 22. Johor authorities said the decision followed a review of inspection reports, enforcement findings and representations from the company.

Meanwhile, the case also includes a separate immigration investigation. Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi has called for federal authorities to continue examining possible breaches. However, Malaysian immigration officials previously said all 266 foreign residents inspected at the site held valid travel documents.

As crypto.news previously reported, Srinivasan had already paused a planned $122 million expansion in Malaysia while seeking written assurances from the government. He said Network School wanted greater legal certainty before committing more capital.

Kazakhstan offers Network School a new base

The Kazakhstan agreement gives Network School another location as the Malaysia dispute continues. Its official website now refers to community activities in Kazakhstan, although a detailed opening schedule for the new campus has not been publicly confirmed.

Srinivasan described the plan by saying, “Our new campus will become a haven for global techno-optimism, with expedited visas, streamlined redomiciliation, and active recruitment of talent.” The memorandum creates a framework for cooperation, while further operating details have yet to be announced.

Kazakhstan has also been expanding its technology and digital-asset policies. As crypto.news reported, the government has backed plans for Alatau City, a digital-first development designed to support blockchain technology, digital payments and other technology projects.

At the same time, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation said it would take action to revoke NSO Malaysia’s Malaysia Digital status following the cancellation of its business licence. Companies holding the designation must maintain required licences and comply with applicable regulations.

Srinivasan has disputed the scale of the alleged operating breaches. Before the licence cancellation, he said Network School had received notices involving signage and licensing for adjoining coworking units, adding that the company had a period to address the issues.

For now, the Kazakhstan agreement gives Network School a path to continue its international expansion while Malaysian authorities complete their remaining reviews. The next stage will depend on how the memorandum develops into formal campus operations and what further action Malaysian regulators take.