About Me (Part-10) — Mazlan Abbas

ABOUT ME SERIES

From Obscurity to Influence: My Journey

I often reflect on how my journey in the tech world began, and I am amazed at how far I’ve come. I hope my story will inspire others to start from scratch, just as I did.

My name is Mazlan Abbas, and this is my story of rising from unknown to recognized influencer in IoT and smart cities.

The Beginning

I was born on January 23, 1961, in Malaysia. My fascination with technology started early, fueled by a love for science fiction novels, DC Comics, and childhood cartoons like ‘The Jetsons’ and ‘Land of the Giants.’

Captivated by the possibilities of the future, I dreamed of becoming a scientist.

However, dreams are just the beginning; the real journey lies in turning them into reality.

I enjoyed playing the guitar and singing Bee Gees songs as a child.

Sports, particularly badminton, were also a big part of my life.

But it was my passion for technology that ultimately defined my career path. I pursued my Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (BEE) with First Class Honours from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in 1984, followed by a Master of Science (MSc) in Telematics from the University of Essex, UK, in 1986. I later earned my Ph.D. in Telecommunications from UTM in 1993.

Stepping into the Professional World

After completing my studies, I entered the telecom industry, starting with CELCOM Axiata. My career spanned various significant roles, including Senior Director at MIMOS Berhad and CEO of REDtone IoT. Eventually, I co-founded and became CEO of FAVORIOT Sdn Bhd. FAVORIOT focuses on IoT solutions, and it was here that my journey as an influencer truly began.

But let me tell you, becoming an influencer didn’t happen overnight. It required a strategic approach, perseverance, and a lot of learning along the way.

The Power of Blogging

One of the first steps I took towards building my influence was through blogging. I started with a simple blog on Blogspot, sharing insights about gadgets. It was a modest beginning, allowing me to express my thoughts and connect with like-minded individuals.

I later transitioned to a more personal blog, writing in Malay and English, and eventually created IoT World to focus on the Internet of Things. Moving to WordPress and Medium, I joined the Medium Partner Program in September 2023.

Blogging was more than just writing articles; it was about sharing my passion and knowledge with a broader audience. It was about creating a space where I could discuss the latest trends in IoT, share my experiences, and offer valuable insights to others.

Embracing Social Media

“How do I reach more people?” I often asked myself. The answer was social media. I realized I needed to be where the conversations were happening to have a significant impact.

I started with LinkedIn, a platform ideal for professional networking and sharing industry insights. I gradually built a strong presence by consistently posting articles, sharing updates about my work, and engaging with other professionals.

LinkedIn became my primary platform for connecting with peers, potential collaborators, and industry leaders.

Twitter was another game-changer.

Its fast-paced environment allowed me to share quick updates and thoughts and engage in real-time conversations. It is an excellent tool for staying updated with the latest trends and connecting with a global audience.

“How can I make my tweets more engaging?” I would often ponder.

The key was to be authentic, timely, and relevant.

Leveraging Visual Content

Understanding the power of visual content, I ventured into Instagram and YouTube. Instagram allowed me to share glimpses of my professional life, events, and behind-the-scenes moments at FAVORIOT.

It was a platform where I could be more personal and connect with my audience on a different level.

YouTube, on the other hand, was perfect for sharing in-depth content.

I started creating videos about IoT, smart cities, and technology trends. These videos provided a platform to delve deeper into topics, share presentations, and even host interviews with other experts.

“What topics would resonate most with my audience?” I would ask myself before creating content.

The goal was always to provide value and educate my viewers.

TikTok: Reaching the Younger Audience

One platform that I was initially hesitant about but eventually embraced was TikTok. Known for its younger demographic and short-form videos, it is an opportunity to inspire the next generation. I started creating educational videos, breaking complex IoT concepts into easily digestible content.

“How can I make this fun and informative?” was a question that guided my TikTok strategy.

The response was overwhelming.

TikTok allowed me to reach a demographic that needed to be easier to engage.

It was not just about teaching but also about inspiring young minds to explore the world of technology.

Engaging with the Community

Building an online presence is not just about posting content; it’s about engaging with the community. I made it a point to respond to comments, participate in discussions, and attend virtual events. This engagement helped build a loyal following and fostered a sense of community.

“How can I add value to my audience’s lives?” This question was at the core of my engagement strategy.

Every interaction mattered whether I answered a query, provided advice, or acknowledged a comment.

Public Speaking and Conferences

Being a frequent speaker at major conferences also significantly impacted my journey.

These platforms allowed me to share my knowledge, network with industry leaders, and establish myself as a thought leader.

Each speaking engagement allowed me to showcase my expertise and connect with a broader audience.

Writing and Publications

In addition to blogging and social media, writing books and contributing to publications helped solidify my reputation. I authored eBooks like ‘IoT Notes’ and ‘Your IoT Journey,’ sharing my experiences and insights with a broader audience.

These publications were a testament to my expertise and commitment to the field.

Podcasts: “Jom Pakai IoT” and “Startup IoT”

Recognizing the growing popularity of podcasts, I decided to venture into this medium to reach even more people. I launched two podcasts, “Jom Pakai IoT” and “Startup IoT,” available on Spotify, Google, and Apple Podcasts.

These podcasts offer a platform to delve deeper into various IoT topics, share startup experiences, and engage with listeners in a more intimate and accessible format.

“How can I provide even more value through audio content?” I asked myself.

The answer lay in creating content that was informative, engaging, and easy to consume for listeners on the go.

Recognition and Awards

Over the years, my efforts began to bear fruit.

I was recognized globally for my contributions to IoT and smart cities.

I was listed in Onalytica’s “Who’s Who in IoT,” ranked among the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders on IoT by Thinkers360, and awarded “Most Impactful Smart Cities Leaders” by the World CSR Congress.

These accolades recognized my work and validated my journey.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation

One crucial aspect of my journey has been the willingness to learn and adapt. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and staying relevant requires continuous learning.

I regularly updated myself with the latest trends, attended webinars, and read extensively.

“How can I stay ahead of the curve?” This question drove my learning efforts.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that the path from obscurity to influence is complex. It requires passion, perseverance, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. It’s about constantly asking yourself, “How can I make a difference?” and then taking the necessary steps.

My advice for anyone starting their journey is to stay true to their passion, embrace the power of digital platforms, and never stop learning.

Your journey might be challenging, but you can achieve great things with determination and the right strategies.

Thank you for being a part of my journey.

Here’s to many more milestones and continued growth!

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