Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ) and Network School: Understanding the Difference
In recent weeks, we have received a number of enquiries from clients regarding Network School and its relationship with Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ).
As Malaya Corporate Group regularly assists clients with Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), Family Office, and business establishment matters in Forest City, we would like to clarify the distinction between these two.
Forest City SFZ: An Official Government Initiative
The Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ) is part of the broader Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) initiative announced by the Malaysian Government. Its objective is to attract high-value investments, financial services, technology companies, and global talent to Malaysia.
The incentives available under the Forest City SFZ are official government initiatives administered by the relevant authorities and are subject to eligibility requirements and regulatory approvals.
The Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ) is part of the broader Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) initiative announced by the Malaysian Government. Its objective is to attract high-value investments, financial services, technology companies, and global talent to Malaysia.
The incentives available under the Forest City SFZ are official government initiatives administered by the relevant authorities and are subject to eligibility requirements and regulatory approvals.
Key Incentives Available Under Forest City SFZ
1. Single Family Office Scheme
Eligible Single Family Offices may enjoy 0% concessionary tax rates for qualifying activities, subject to meeting the prescribed investment, operational and regulatory requirements.
2. 5% Corporate Income Tax
Eligible companies operating in approved sectors such as financial services, fintech and selected global business services may qualify for a 5% corporate income tax rate, subject to approval by the relevant authorities.
3. 15% Personal Income Tax
Eligible knowledge workers employed by approved companies within the Forest City SFZ may qualify for a 15% personal income tax rate, subject to the applicable guidelines and conditions.
4. Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) – Forest City SFZ Category
The Forest City SFZ also introduced a dedicated MM2H category aimed at attracting long-term international residents and investors.
According to publicly released government information,
5. Single Family Office Development
As of June 2026, nine Single Family Offices had reportedly been approved, with a target of reaching RM2 billion in Assets Under Management (AUM) by the end of the year.
Network School Is a Separate Private Initiative
Network School is a private initiative operating within Forest City.
While it is located in the same geographical area, it is not part of the official Forest City Special Financial Zone incentive framework, nor is it part of the MM2H programme administered by the Malaysian Government.
For this reason, developments relating to Network School should be distinguished from the official investment incentives and government programmes available under the Forest City SFZ.
Our Role
At Malaya Corporate Group, our services focus on assisting clients with:
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) applications
Company incorporation in Malaysia
Family Office establishment
Business licensing and regulatory compliance
Advisory on government investment incentives where applicable