[eBook] IoT Frontier: Insights and Innovations in Malaysia and Beyond by Mazlan Abbas

Why You Should Read This eBook

“IoT Frontier: Insights and Innovations in Malaysia and Beyond” serves as a seminal exploration of the interplay between technology and daily life, placing special emphasis on the Internet of Things (IoT) — a cornerstone of contemporary innovation reshaping global industries, urban landscapes, and day-to-day living.

Entering the year 2024, the book captures the essence of an ongoing digital renaissance, primarily propelled by IoT advancements. It offers an in-depth look at these developments, particularly highlighting Malaysia’s role in the narrative, which acts as a crucial case study for IoT’s influence in emerging economies.

In the first section, “IoT Foundations and Future Visions,” the book establishes a baseline understanding of IoT’s present status and its expansive future potential. It delves into the skills necessary for capitalizing on IoT and scrutinizes its integral role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Furthermore, it addresses the burgeoning ethical considerations in AI, pivotal as we progress towards increasingly intelligent solutions.

The second section provides a comprehensive analysis of Malaysia’s IoT sector, enriched with case studies and broader trend insights. It showcases how IoT solutions have been effectively applied in real-world scenarios, such as managing the Ammonia Gas Leak at the PJ Ice Factory, thereby illustrating IoT’s practical utility.

The third section focuses on the intricacies of IoT platforms, with a particular lens on Favoriot, a leading name in the IoT industry. This part is crafted to aid enthusiasts, developers, and enterprises in making informed choices about IoT platform selection and use.

Sections IV and V take the reader through IoT’s transformative effects in specific fields such as industry, agriculture, and city planning, highlighting the revolution brought about by IoT in these sectors through groundbreaking solutions and smart technologies.

The book then expands its scope in Sections VI to VIII, exploring IoT’s applications in consumer and health markets, confronting the challenges in IoT deployment, and emphasizing the importance of IoT education and training. These chapters underline the versatility of IoT applications and the hurdles encountered in their implementation.

In Sections IX and X, the book delves into the synergy between IoT and AI and offers strategic business insights within the IoT sphere, providing a foresight into a future shaped by these interwoven technologies.

The penultimate section presents exclusive interviews with industry leaders, offering rare insights, while the final section takes a global perspective, examining worldwide IoT initiatives and their implications.

“IoT Frontier: Insights and Innovations in Malaysia and Beyond” is not merely a book; it is an extensive expedition through the IoT landscape. It aims to provide a holistic understanding of IoT’s potential, challenges, and future direction, catering to students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and IoT aficionados alike.

You can download the preview/sample ebook – HERE.

Startup Survival: The Journey of a Tech Entrepreneur (Book)

Preface

In this book, I invite you on a journey—a journey that began with a single step into the unknown realm of Silicon Valley and expanded into a voyage across the vast ocean of the Internet of Things (IoT). It is a tale not just of technology and innovation, but of personal growth, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of a vision.

Part 1: The Awakening unveils the transition from a techie to an entrepreneur. It chronicles the birth of our first IoT product designed to enhance the lives of senior citizens and delves into the struggles and successes of monetizing cutting-edge technology. This section is a candid exposition of the thrills and tribulations that accompany the early stages of a Startup’s life.

Part 2: The Evolution details the maturation of our venture, Favorsense, amidst the fiercely competitive market. It is a story of navigating through the turbulent waters of the IoT industry, marked by early missteps and eventual milestones, and the philosophical underpinnings that propelled our venture forward.

Part 3: Expansion and Growth reflects on the scaling of our enterprise with limited resources. Here, I share our exploration of diverse sectors—academia, industry, and government—and the invaluable insights they offered. This part also touches on the creative lulls and the investment of faith and funds into our dream.

Part 4: Navigating Success chronicles the strategic moves towards acquisition and the harmonious blend of academic rigour with entrepreneurial zeal. It is a testament to the hard-earned lessons in building products and the joys of witnessing a startup blossom.

Part 5: The Mastery is where the nuances of team dynamics are explored, revealing how my fourth IoT product was a pivotal turning point. It stresses the importance of adaptability and the critical role of product-market fit in the survival and success of a startup.

Part 6: Perseverance and Innovation is a homage to the grit required to overcome the myriad challenges a Startup faces. It uncovers the stories behind product failures and the resilience needed to navigate a global crisis while fine-tuning the pricing of our products.

Part 7: Personal Growth and Strategy delves into the self-discovery journey every entrepreneur undergoes. It discusses the individuality of the entrepreneurial experience, the quest for recognition, and the relentless pursuit of the perfect investor pitch.

Part 8: Branding and Marketing highlights the lessons learned in branding and marketing with a lean budget. It shares insights into the personal branding intertwined with the company’s image and the real-world lessons gleaned from business dealings.

Part 9: Reflection and Insights offers a retrospective look at why some entrepreneurs reach the pinnacle of success while others falter. It brings forward the collective wisdom gained from both the startup community and the giants of the industry.

Part 10: Building Foundations closes the narrative by emphasizing the importance of community support, the strategic use of mailing lists, brand building on a shoestring budget, and the diversification of revenue streams.

This book is more than a compilation of entrepreneurial lessons; it is a mosaic of experiences, a beacon for aspiring innovators, and a testament to the power of a shared dream. It is dedicated to the team at Favoriot, whose dedication and innovation have not just shaped a company, but also the very future of IoT. Welcome to our story.

Get the book – HERE!

You can download the preview/sample book – HERE.

The Art of Startup Alchemy: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Entrepreneurship is inherently uncertain.

No one can guarantee business success, and the path to failure often seems easier, especially if we assume that success will come without effort.

This blog delves into what it really takes to succeed in the unpredictable world of startups, particularly for those transitioning from the corporate world.

The Seven Key Insights for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Workforce Dynamics: In the corporate realm, we have a plethora of employees aiding us, from finance to human resources, sales, marketing, IT, and R&D. But in a startup, the question arises: which roles should be permanent, and which should we outsource? For product development startups, full-time skilled employees in R&D and IT are crucial.
Salary Realities: Many don’t grasp this aspect of entrepreneurship. Corporate jobs often come with high salaries and various perks. However, founders typically forgo their salaries or take much lower pay than their employees. This financial sacrifice is a reality not well understood by many employees.
Marketing on a Shoestring: What can a startup do with a limited marketing budget? Many turn to social media as a cost-effective starting point, often without paid ads. Blogs can be another channel to amplify our “voice,” especially when competing with the larger marketing budgets of corporate giants isn’t feasible.
Sales and Pricing Challenges: Pricing a new product appropriately is a tough nut to crack. Set it too low, and you incur losses; too high, and customers balk. Gaining customer trust is also more challenging for lesser-known startups, leading to missed opportunities against established or international companies.
Project Poaching (Sailang): Sailang, meaning “snatch” or “grab,” is a common occurrence where project proposals are overtaken by others. Customers sometimes feign interest in proposals while having another company in mind. This doesn’t even include the widespread issue of corruption.
Partnership Pitfalls: Choosing strategic partners should be done judiciously. Many partnerships end up being fleeting, limited to the scope of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). True collaboration should benefit both parties equally.
Business Plan Realities: In the corporate world, business plans are drawn annually based on established trends. However, for a 1-2 year old startup, creating a detailed business plan is nearly impossible due to the unpredictability of market and customer behavior.

The Gap Between Theory and Practice

This is why theoretical knowledge gained in courses or universities doesn’t always align with real-world experiences.

You might see a large market, but lack financial support.

Your technology and products might be advanced, but customers are not ready to buy. You might have financial backing but lack a viable business idea.

Conclusion

As I mentioned at the beginning, business success is far from guaranteed.

Overcoming these challenges is a must.

Success in business is rarely easy (except perhaps through unethical means) and requires navigating the real twists and turns of entrepreneurship.

Lifeblogging: A New Lens on Life

Have you ever considered lifeblogging?

It’s the modern twist to the diaries we once treasured, but with a digital heartbeat.

Discover the Magic of Lifeblogging
This isn’t just a platform; it’s a vibrant, living canvas where the everyday becomes remarkable.

Every moment, from the mundane to the monumental, forms part of a captivating narrative – your life story, shared in real time.

A Journey Beyond Ordinary Blogging
Lifeblogging isn’t just a subset of blogging; it’s a unique genre in its own right.

It’s about weaving the threads of daily experiences into a rich tapestry of personal tales.

Each post, each shared memory, adds color and depth to this tapestry, transforming routine events into chapters of an enthralling story.

Why Lifeblogging Captivates
Lifeblogging isn’t just a practice; it’s a celebration of life. It’s about:

Capturing the Essence of Memories: Freeze moments in time, creating a beautiful mosaic of your life’s journey.
Therapeutic Reflection: It’s a reflective mirror, allowing you to ponder, grow, and understand your life’s narrative.
Building Bonds: Share your story and find a community of kindred spirits, weaving connections across the digital expanse.
Turning Moments into Stories: Elevate everyday occurrences into compelling narratives, filled with emotion, lessons, and insights.

The Benefits of Sharing Your Story
Lifeblogging extends beyond a personal hobby; it’s a transformative experience. It brings myriad benefits:

Mirror of Self-Discovery: It’s a tool for introspection, fostering personal growth and self-awareness.
Community and Connections: Through sharing, you create a tapestry of relationships, finding solidarity and support in others.
Digital Memory Lane: Your blog becomes a timeless vault, preserving fleeting moments and cherished memories for posterity.

What to Share in a Lifeblog
Wondering what slices of life to share? Here’s some inspiration:

Ordinary Yet Captivating: The everyday routines, when shared, can be surprisingly engaging and inspiring.
Personal Insights: Your thoughts and reflections add a layer of depth, making your story relatable and real.
Celebrating Milestones: From birthdays to bucket-list adventures, these highlights bring excitement and joy to your narrative.
The Ups and Downs: Authenticity shines when you share both triumphs and challenges, painting a full picture of your life.

My Personal Journey with Lifeblogging
Lifeblogging has been a personal voyage of discovery and connection for me.

The stories I share – moments both big and small – have not only shaped my digital narrative but have also sculpted my personal growth.

It’s about sharing wisdom, inspiring others, and possibly even changing lives.

The Joy of Documenting Life
In conclusion, lifeblogging transcends a mere pastime; it’s a pursuit of passion.

It involves capturing the raw, unedited essence of life and sharing it with the world.

Embark on Your Lifeblogging Adventure
I invite you to start your own lifeblogging journey.

Whether it’s through text, photos, or videos, begin capturing your story today.

Embrace this opportunity to enrich your life and maybe even touch the lives of others.

Start documenting, start sharing, and watch the magic unfold in your life and the lives around you.

Top 9 Books on Making Money Through Blogging

Blogging has transcended its roots as a personal hobby to become a potent avenue for generating substantial income.

With countless aspiring bloggers eager to carve out their niche and monetize their passion, the quest for reliable, insightful, and actionable guidance is more pressing than ever.

This blog review meticulously examines the top 10 books dedicated to the art and science of making money through blogging.

Each book under review has been selected for its depth of insight, practical strategies, and relevance to the continuously evolving blogging landscape.

These books offer more than mere tips; they are treasure troves of wisdom distilled from years of hands-on experience and success in the blogging realm.

From unlocking the secrets of content that resonates and engages, to demystifying the algorithms of search engines, and harnessing the power of social media marketing, these books provide a comprehensive toolkit for the modern blogger.

In an analytical dissection, we delve into each book’s core teachings, scrutinizing how their strategies align with the current digital trends and the practicality of their approaches in the real-world scenario of blogging.

This review aims not just to list books but to offer a critical lens through which both budding and seasoned bloggers can evaluate and choose the resources most aligned with their blogging journey and financial goals.

As the digital landscape becomes increasingly competitive, this review stands as a guiding light, illuminating the path to blogging success through the wisdom of those who have traversed it successfully.

“ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income” by Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett: This book is often cited for its comprehensive approach, offering practical advice from seasoned bloggers. It covers various aspects of blogging, from setting up a blog to monetizing it.
“The Essential Habits Of 6-Figure Bloggers” by Sally Miller: This book delves into the habits and strategies of successful bloggers, providing insights into what it takes to earn a significant income from blogging.
“How To Make Money Blogging” by Bob Lotich: Offering a straightforward approach, this book breaks down the process of starting a blog and monetizing it in a digestible format, ideal for beginners.
“Blog, Inc.: Blogging for Passion, Profit, and to Create Community” by Joy Deangdeelert Cho: This book is a great resource for understanding the community and business aspects of blogging. It’s particularly noted for its insights into creating a loyal audience.
“Blogging for Profits in 2020: 10,000/month ultimate guide” by Ronald Roberts: Focusing on recent trends and strategies, this book is valuable for those looking to understand the current blogging landscape and how to profit from it.
“Content Inc.: How Entrepreneurs Use Content to Build Massive Audiences and Create Radically Successful Businesses” by Joe Pulizzi: While not exclusively about blogging, this book is essential for understanding content marketing, a key aspect of successful blogging.
“SEO 2021: Learn Search Engine Optimization with Smart Internet Marketing Strategies” by Adam Clarke: Since SEO is crucial for blogging success, this book is a must-read for understanding how to make your blog visible and profitable through SEO.
“Make Money Blogging: Proven Strategies to Make Money Online while You Work from Home” by Joseph Hogue: This book offers a blend of blogging basics and advanced monetization strategies, making it a useful guide for a range of readers.
“The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users” by Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick: Recognizing the importance of social media in driving blog traffic, this book is a guide to effectively using social platforms to enhance a blog’s reach and profitability.

Lessons I Learned Navigating the Unpredictable Path of my Career

I’d like to share with you the remarkable twists and turns of my career journey.

It’s a story of unexpected shifts, surprising opportunities, and valuable lessons learned along the way.

Discovering an Unexpected Role as a CEO and Entrepreneur

I always dreamed of becoming a scientist, fascinated by the idea of creating robots.

However, life had other plans for me.

I never thought I would one day be a CEO or embark on the challenging path of entrepreneurship.

This transition in my life taught me how our goals and aspirations can transform over time.

My Academic Foundation

My professional life began in the world of academia.

As an educator, I started as an Assistant Lecturer and worked my way up to Associate Professor.

I cherished my role as a teacher, driven by a natural instinct to educate and inspire.

Venturing into the Corporate Realm

Faced with the possibility of transferring to UTM Skudai, I made a bold decision to join Celcom, a private sector company.

During my 13 years there, I experienced a rich variety of roles – from Research and Development to Integrated Business Solutions.

This period was instrumental in broadening my professional horizon.

Pursuing R&D Excellence at Mimos

When I joined Mimos, I was fueled by a desire to uplift national R&D standards.

Working in a government agency, I had lofty ambitions and faced a mix of experiences.

Although I spent eight years as a Head Researcher, I sometimes felt that my earlier experiences were not fully utilized, which was a source of some disappointment.

The Evolution from Dreaming of CTO to Becoming a CEO

For over three decades, my career goal was singular – to become a Chief Technology Officer.

Yet, fate had a different plan for me.

At REDtone, I was tasked with establishing a new IoT-focused subsidiary, which unexpectedly led me to my first role as a CEO.

Here, I learned the intricacies of dealing with government business, a challenging but enriching experience.

Stepping into the World of Entrepreneurship

After about two and a half years with REDtone, the entrepreneurial bug bit me.

I took the leap into starting my own business with some colleagues.

The journey at FAVORIOT and the stories there are for another day, but they mark a significant chapter in my life.

Lessons I’ve Learned on My Journey

Embracing the Journey: Life’s path, though sometimes divergent from our dreams, is always a gift.
Striving for Excellence: Every challenge is an opportunity to grow and excel.
Education Beyond the Classroom: Real-world career experiences teach lessons no book can.
Breaking Stereotypes: Transitioning from academia to the corporate world is possible.
The Intersection of Tech and Business: A technical background can be a strong foundation for successful entrepreneurship.
The Possibility of Becoming a CEO: The right opportunities can lead anyone to a CEO position.
Turning Adversity into Opportunity: Every challenging moment has the potential to become a positive experience.
Academics in the Corporate World: A background in academia can be valuable in private sector roles.
Challenging Retirement Norms: There’s no predetermined time to retire or slow down.
Making an Impact: We all have the ability to create significant changes in our industries or even globally.
Valuing Diverse Experiences: Every unique career experience adds invaluable perspective.
Lifelong Learning and Contribution: The journey of learning and giving back is endless.

This journey of mine underscores the unpredictable, yet fulfilling nature of a career path, where continuous learning, adaptation, and the reshaping of goals are part of the adventure.

From Lecture Halls to the Limelight of Public Speaking

My journey from an everyday lecturer to a celebrated keynote speaker is a tale that seems straight out of a movie.

The thrill of public speaking, a domain that challenges even the bravest, has been my playground.

Let me share with you my story of transformation and growing confidence, a narrative that’s both entertaining and inspiring.

The Unforgettable First Time
I clearly remember my first encounter with public speaking.

It’s an experience that’s etched in my memory, particularly the first time.

You might wonder, how did I transition from an academic lecturer to a master in the speaking arena?

Let’s delve into my captivating journey.

The Lecturer’s Leap
You might think that lecturing students every day would make public speaking easy for me.

But the truth is, addressing students and facing a diverse audience at an international conference are completely different experiences.

My journey to build rock-solid confidence involved overcoming a series of unique challenges.

Diverse Roles, Diverse Stages
My path to mastery was marked by diverse stages:

University Lectures
Technical Conferences (Domestic and International)
Invited Talks (Global)
Delivering Keynote Addresses
Panel Moderator
Panel Member (With and Without Scripts)
YouTube Channel (MIMOS) – Videos 1 & 2
TV Program – Gizmo Segment (Recorded)
National Radio Shows
TV Program – Selamat Pagi Malaysia (Live Broadcast)

Each role, from R&D Director at MIMOS facing management with project proposals and updates, to CEO of my startup, Favoriot, required a unique set of skills.

Pitching and presenting to customers, and being an invited speaker or moderator, all demanded not just knowledge but the ability to engage and persuade.

Conquering the Confidence Conundrum
My strategy for overcoming the fears of public speaking evolved alongside my career:

Tailored PowerPoint slides for every audience
Selecting topics that captivate
Deep-diving into current affairs for content
Regular practice to refine my delivery
Engaging with every member of the audience
Mind mapping to structure my thoughts
Rigorous preparation well ahead of time
Constantly updating my material
Mingling with attendees to build rapport
Weaving conference themes into my talks
Storytelling to connect on a personal level
Injecting humor to keep the mood light

Conclusion: Embracing My Mastery
Through my roles as a lecturer, R&D Director, CEO, and public speaker, I’ve learned that mastering public speaking is more than just conveying a message; it’s about creating a bond with your audience and leaving a lasting impact.

This journey has taught me that speaking is an art, a strategy, and a way to express your true self.

Remember my story as you step onto your stage.

Like me, you may find your unique path from the quiet of the lecture hall to the bright lights of the speaking world.

Reluctant Speaker: From Reclusiveness to Renown

I never imagined myself standing as a speaker at national and international seminars or conferences.

Being naturally introverted and not bold in public speaking, I preferred solitude.

However, my career as a Lecturer demanded a significant shift from this reclusive nature.

The profession of teaching inherently involves speaking out, yet teaching students differs vastly from addressing an assembly of professionals and scholars.

A Turning Point in 1987
The year 1987 marked a crucial turning point for me. Following my Master’s degree in 1986, I developed a deep interest in ISDN technology, humorously referred to as “I Still Don’t kNow,” but actually standing for Integrated Services Digital Network.

This emerging technology aimed to transition from analog to digital, especially in internet applications, boasting speeds up to 64 kb/s.

My engagement with ISDN became the gateway to my foray into public seminars.

Milestone Presentations
My public speaking journey took a significant leap on August 17, 1987, when I presented at MNCC’87 in Kuala Lumpur.

My paper was titled “ISDN – The Needs for a Transition in Malaysian Telecommunications Network.”

This was followed by another key presentation on October 12, 1987, titled “ISDN – Prospects and Challenges for Malaysia” at the National Conference on Networking and Data Communications in National Development, held at PWTC, Kuala Lumpur.

Overcoming Nervousness
Facing nearly a thousand attendees at the PWTC hall was a daunting experience.

Despite the air conditioning, I felt overwhelmed by nerves, barely noticing the physical discomfort.

As a UTM Lecturer discussing a highly pertinent topic in telecommunications, all attention was on me.

The initial moments of my speech were the most challenging, as I felt engulfed in nervousness, almost oblivious to my audience.

Reflection and Persistence
Despite receiving some positive feedback, those presentations remain the most nerve-wracking experiences of my life.

Years have passed, filled with numerous other presentations, yet the underlying anxiety persists.

The strategies I’ve developed to cope with this nervousness, though, are stories for another time.

Navigating Dreams to Reality: My Story

The Seeds of a Dream

My journey began in the realm of dreams, in the chapters of my early life.

As a child, I was utterly captivated by the world of science fiction, with its intriguing robots and incredible adventures.

This wasn’t just a fleeting childhood phase; it was the dawn of a path that would shape my entire career.

My aspiration to become a scientist, sparked by these fictional tales, built the foundation for everything that was to come.

From Fiction to Passion

As I grew up, my understanding of what it meant to be a scientist was somewhat vague, but my fascination with robots and science fiction stories never faded.

This passion, far deeper than just a childhood interest, became my guide through both my education and professional life.

I made a crucial decision to study Electrical Engineering, a step that deepened my affinity for technology. The once fictional concepts I admired in stories were transforming into realities, fuelling my ambitions and dreams.

A Career Intertwined with Technology

My professional path, though it diverged from my initial dream of designing robots, became deeply entwined with the world of technology.

My academic career flourished at UTM, where I ascended to the role of Head of Telematics Research.

This success opened the doors to notable industry roles, such as being the Vice President of R&D at Celcom and the Senior Director at MIMOS.

In these capacities, I contributed significantly to the fields of Internet technology, Electronics, and Telecommunications, showcasing the breadth and depth of my expertise.

A Gadget Enthusiast’s Life

Personally, my passion mirrors my professional pursuits.

Unlike many who find joy in cars, I find my excitement in the latest technological gadgets.

I spend my leisure time exploring and keeping up with the newest tech trends, often being one of the first to get my hands on new products from brands like Apple.

This aspect of my life, which I plan to delve into more in future stories, highlights my continuous enthusiasm for technology.

The Power of Childhood Dreams

My journey is a testament to the profound impact of childhood dreams on one’s career path.

My story beautifully illustrates how a young boy’s fascination with the realms of science fiction and robotics carved a path for a distinguished career in technology and telecommunications.

It’s a narrative that powerfully shows the immense influence that even the most whimsical dreams can have in shaping our lives and careers.

The Story of My Academic Pursuits

I’m back to share more of my story. I wasn’t born a genius, and honestly, I never imagined I would pursue education up to the level of a PhD.

The thought of achieving my current position never crossed my mind.

Like many others, I only knew to strive and learn. During my LCE (now known as PMR), my results were not outstanding. Similarly, in my MCE (currently called SPM), my aggregate was just 24.

I was disappointed for not achieving excellent results, especially when many of my peers managed to go abroad with aggregates of 21.

However, I remained determined and strove to enter university. Initially, I wanted to pursue Accounting, influenced by my cousin, but eventually, I chose Electrical Engineering.

My first year at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia was challenging, especially with courses heavy in mathematics.

I remember failing Thermodynamics in my first year.

This was a result of studying until the early hours and not getting enough sleep. During exams, my mind went blank, and I couldn’t answer the questions – leading to my failure and the need to retake the course in the next term (we had a term system, not semesters).

Thankfully, I graduated with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree, alongside four other students.

Two years later, I studied Telematics at Essex University.

Interestingly, this university only offered the course over nine months, unlike other Master’s programs which lasted a year or a year and a half.

While my friends had the opportunity to travel across Europe during their breaks, I couldn’t indulge in that luxury as I returned to Malaysia immediately after the short nine-month period.

A couple of years later, I decided to pursue my PhD but I couldn’t apply for overseas University because there’s no opportunity.

But I still go ahead by pursuing my PhD in the same University where I worked.

I am proud to be the first PhD holder in Telecommunications.

My academic journey might not have started with brilliance, but it was filled with perseverance and dedication. Each step, including the setbacks, was a crucial part of my growth. Stay tuned, as there’s still more to my story.