About Me (Part-7) — Mazlan Abbas

ABOUT MAZLAN ABBAS SERIES

A Journey Through Dreams: From Childhood Fantasies to Technological Innovations

Ever since childhood, I’ve harbored a dream almost as whimsical as the fictional stories I loved to lose myself in.

Growing up, I wanted nothing more than to become a scientist, one who could possibly invent robots.

This dream was fueled by my voracious reading habits — my days were often spent buried in science fiction novels and DC comics, all of which opened up worlds of possibilities in my young mind.

Childhood Cartoons

As a child, one of my favorite pastimes was watching cartoons.

I was particularly fond of “The Jetsons,” a show depicting a family living in a futuristic society where daily life was made easy through various robots and gadgets. I remember thinking how wonderful it would be if our real world were as innovative and technologically advanced as the Jetsons’ world.

Shows like “Land of the Giants” further captivated my imagination, presenting scenarios where everyday characters faced extraordinary situations. These narratives sparked endless hours of self-dialogue, where I imagined myself inventing something that could change the world.

Entrepreneurship Spirit

In those early years, I even took a stab at entrepreneurship.

After reading my comics, I set up a small table in front of my house, hoping to sell them to other neighborhood kids.

Unfortunately, no one bought them. It’s funny now to think about it — I didn’t know the first thing about marketing back then!

I can still hear my youthful voice, filled with naive confidence, telling myself, “Next time, it will be better.

Maybe I just need a better sign or a catchier sales pitch!”

Aside from my dreams of science and fleeting business ventures, I had other hobbies too.

A Hobby Long Lost

I loved playing the guitar and singing.

Although I never won any competitions, I took great joy in singing along to the Bee Gees, especially their song “Words.” Those melodious sessions, though just for my own pleasure, were moments where I felt completely free and joyful.

Sports were another area where I shone, particularly badminton.

I proudly represented my school, Sekolah Menengah Seri Ampang, and even played for the Ampang Jaya Group 2 team.

We were unbeatable against other local groups.

I even had the chance to play against Razif Sidek in a tournament once. The score? 0–15, 0–15.

Yes, I lost spectacularly, but the thrill of playing against a renowned athlete was exhilarating. It’s moments like these that often lead me down memory lane, chuckling to myself about the audacity and the sheer joy of those experiences.

Childhood Education

Born in Johor Bahru, I briefly attended Sekolah Kebangsaan Ngee Heng before moving to Sekolah Jalan Raja Muda in Kg Baru, Kuala Lumpur.

It’s interesting to think about the history of the places and institutions we’ve been a part of.

Did you know that Ngee Heng was once attended by many notable figures such as the late Sultan Iskandar of Johor and Malaysia’s third Prime Minister, Tun Hussein Onn? It makes one ponder the legacy of the educational paths we walk and the silent, inspiring stories the walls of our schools could tell.

The Growing Pains

Despite these vibrant and joyful aspects of my childhood, not all memories are without pain.

After finishing Form 5, I was devastated when I didn’t get the opportunity to study abroad. It was one of those moments where the future I had envisioned for myself seemed to crumble.

Alone in my room, I remember shedding tears over the rejection letter, feeling as though all my plans had come to a sudden halt.

Yet, looking back, I find myself engaging in a quiet dialogue, reminding myself that every disappointment also led to a new direction, a new opportunity that perhaps was better suited for me.

Life, as I’ve learned, is a meticulous blend of highs and lows, and it’s beautifully orchestrated by a higher power.

Each moment of sweetness and every bitter disappointment has its own significance and teaches us valuable lessons.

Childhood Reflections

Reflecting on my journey, I often converse with my younger self, encouraging him to see the wisdom in those seemingly random twists and turns.

As I grew older, I realized that perhaps the prayers of my parents, wife, children, or friends had shaped the course of my life in ways I couldn’t immediately understand.

Each step, whether filled with joy or soaked in tears, was a part of a grander plan meant for my ultimate good.

This journey of introspection and self-dialogue reminds me always to remain grateful and aware that our placement in life serves a specific purpose.

It is these reflections that have guided me through life, continually inspiring me to dream big, just like when I envisioned myself as a young scientist creating robots.

Who knows? Maybe those childhood dreams were not just flights of fancy but a preview of the path I was meant to explore.

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