Jeff Yew, a Malaysian crypto investor and former head of Binance Australia, plans to establish a new technology campus at Forest City in southern Malaysia [1, 2, 3, 4]. Forest City is a US$100 billion man-made island development that has struggled to meet its futuristic metropolitan ambitions [1, 2, 3, 4].
Yew’s vision aims for a “Malaysia first” approach, focusing on strengthening local talent alongside attracting overseas expertise, distinguishing his plan from Balaji Srinivasan’s Network School that previously operated at the site [1, 2, 3, 4]. The Network School, founded by Srinivasan, offered a blend of practical skills and a broader ideological view on technological and societal evolution. However, Malaysian authorities ordered its closure in July 2026 after a public dispute, forcing students and staff to leave the country [1, 2, 3, 4].
Jeff Yew currently leads Monochrome Asset Management, which runs an Australian-listed bitcoin exchange-traded fund with about A$128 million in assets under management [1, 2, 3, 4]. On August 12, Yew publicly offered to take over the now-vacant Network School campus and has started preliminary discussions with Srinivasan and his team to collaborate or transition the site [1]. Bloomberg reported on his plans the same day, highlighting his focus on Johor as a potential digital hub for artificial intelligence, blockchain, and computer science [4].
Yew said, “It’s about a balance of attracting talent overseas and also nurturing local entrepreneurs,” emphasizing his intent to establish scholarship programs to support Malaysians [1, 2, 3, 4].
His broader goal is to revive Forest City’s promise by creating a thriving technology campus that produces innovation and talent within Malaysia while fostering international connectivity [1, 2, 3, 4]. Discussions remain ongoing following his offer and engagement with Srinivasan’s team as of mid-August 2026.
