Johor Authorities Close Network School in Forest City Following Licensing Issues and Speculative Reports
Johor local authorities have ordered the closure of Network School, a technology incubator and co-working space located in Forest City. The Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) revoked the business license of NSO Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the parent company of Network School, following an inspection report and enforcement findings. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi supported the decision, noting that the state government fully backed the revocation. The closure follows a period of where the facility served as a congregation point for tech talent and digital nomads. While social media reports suggested the premises were occupied by persons from Israel, the Immigration Department could not find any truth to the allegations. The closure highlights a potential struggle for Malaysia to nurture a creative ecosystem, as the country risks exporting talent to hubs like Singapore. The move also brings attention to the 'ghost city' status of Forest City, which has struggled to achieve commercial viability despite significant government incentives and tax benefits.