3 September, 2025
tech-utopians-launch-classes-in-malaysia-s-abandoned-ghost-city-

BREAKING: The ambitious Network State movement, spearheaded by tech investor Balaji Srinivasan, is officially taking root in a desolate urban landscape known as Forest City in Johor, Malaysia. This $100 billion “ghost city,” once part of China’s Belt and Road initiative, now serves as an experimental hub for those eager to explore Srinivasan’s vision of a decentralized society.

As of today, classes are in session at the newly opened school, where tech enthusiasts are diving deep into the ideologies of the Network State movement. What can participants expect? A blend of coding, fitness, and fine dining—all in a radically different setting from the bustling streets of Silicon Valley. Yet, the allure of being surrounded by “awesome builders” has energized participants, showcasing a unique human connection even in an abandoned metropolis.

Forest City, once envisioned as a thriving urban center, now features towering, uninhabited skyscrapers, creating an eerie backdrop for this unconventional educational endeavor. Despite the challenges inherent in creating a new country, Srinivasan’s followers remain undeterred. Reports from Bloomberg indicate that the movement is gaining traction, with increasing funding and political interest.

But the Network State is not without its obstacles. While the school in Forest City symbolizes a bold step forward, several related projects are struggling. The city of Prospera in Honduras, a key test case for the movement, is currently embroiled in a legal battle with the Honduran government over its existence. This ongoing strife highlights the significant hurdles that the Network State must overcome as it seeks to establish its legitimacy and operational framework.

The urgency of this movement resonates on multiple levels, reflecting a broader trend among tech leaders to seek autonomy from traditional governance structures. With connections to the Trump administration and the ongoing “Freedom Cities” movement, Srinivasan’s initiative is positioned at the cutting edge of a new socio-political landscape.

As the school in Forest City continues to operate, the world will be watching closely. Can Srinivasan’s Network State overcome the formidable challenges it faces? Will it redefine how people perceive governance and community? These pressing questions remain unanswered, but with each class, the movement inches closer to its ambitious goals.

Stay tuned as we monitor the developments surrounding the Network State and its implications for the future of self-governed societies. The journey from an abandoned city to a thriving community is fraught with challenges, but the stakes have never been higher. Share this article to stay updated on this evolving story.