Former Coinbase executive Balaji Srinivasan is making waves in Malaysia with his groundbreaking project in Forest City. This development has become a hub for blockchain-based governance and startup societies, attracting tech entrepreneurs and crypto innovators from around the world.
According to a report by Bloomberg, Forest City is now home to Network School, a revolutionary educational program led by Srinivasan. The school offers a unique curriculum that combines decentralized governance with longevity science. Students pay $1,500 per month for shared accommodations and immerse themselves in a community that prioritizes technological beliefs over traditional citizenship models.
Originally designed to accommodate millions, Forest City currently hosts a fraction of that population, making it an ideal testing ground for Srinivasan’s vision of “startup societies.” These communities are defined by shared ideology and cryptocurrency adoption, rather than historical borders. The curriculum at Network School includes coding sessions, seminars on blockchain governance, and debates on decentralized autonomous organizations.
The campus itself mirrors Silicon Valley’s focus on health and wellness, with state-of-the-art fitness facilities and protein-heavy diets inspired by longevity movements. This environment fosters both physical and intellectual development, creating a holistic learning experience for students.
Srinivasan’s journey from venture capitalist to nation-state theorist began at Andreessen Horowitz and culminated in his book “Network State,” which outlines his vision for online communities forming decentralized states. Forest City’s appeal lies not only in its low rental costs but also in its proximity to Singapore’s international airport and Malaysian government incentives for development revitalization.
While the initiative has been met with enthusiasm by students, critics are skeptical of its long-term viability and motives. The success of Network School’s experiment in blockchain governance may pave the way for new political alternatives and diplomatic recognition from existing governments.
Overall, Forest City’s transformation into a laboratory for blockchain-based governance is a testament to Srinivasan’s innovative thinking and commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional nation-states. It will be interesting to see how this experiment unfolds and what lessons can be learned for the future of governance and society.