ABOUT ME STORIES
After reading this, you will find new ways of writing your stories
When I first stumbled upon the article “After Reading This, You’ll Know Exactly What to Write About” on Medium, it felt like fate. Writing has always been a passion of mine, but finding a consistent direction has sometimes felt like navigating through a dense fog.
As I sat in my home office, the article’s title seemed to promise clarity – a path in my creative chaos.
”Why is it always so hard to decide what to write about?” I muttered to myself, scrolling through my blog drafts.
They were a motley collection of half-formed thoughts on IoT, entrepreneurship, personal anecdotes, and even a few poems.
My journey in the tech world, from academia to corporate leadership and now entrepreneurship, has been anything but linear. Yet, each twist and turn has shaped my perspective, offering rich fodder for reflection.
As I dove into the article, it suggested that I start by writing about what I know best.
”What do I know best?” I mused.
The immediate answer was clear: the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart cities. After all, as the co-founder and CEO of FAVORIOT, I’ve spent years immersing myself in this field.
But I didn’t want to limit myself to the technical aspects. I tried to weave my experiences, the lessons learned, and the stories behind the innovations.
”Let’s start from the beginning,” I thought, remembering my early fascination with technology.
Growing up, I was an avid reader of science fiction novels and comic books. Titles like ‘The Jetsons’ and ‘Land of the Giants’ fueled my imagination.
”What if I could create something extraordinary?” I’d often dream.
These early influences sparked my ambition to become a scientist, a dream that never waned, even when life took unexpected turns.
Reflecting on my academic journey, I recalled the excitement of securing my Bachelor of Electrical Engineering with First Class Honours from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in 1984.
”Those were the days of pure enthusiasm and boundless curiosity,” I reminisced.
The next step was a Master of Science in Telematics from the University of Essex in the UK.
The challenges of studying abroad, the cultural shock, and the rigorous academic environment shaped me.
Returning to Malaysia, I embarked on a Ph.D. in Telecommunications from UTM, completing it in 1993.
”That was when I first tasted the blend of teaching and research,” I remembered.
My tenure at UTM, during which I rose from Assistant Lecturer to Associate Professor, was deeply fulfilling.
Yet, despite my passion for academia, I yearned for something more – a direct impact on the industry and society.
This desire led me to CELCOM Axiata, where I spent 13 years in various roles, from R&D to billing and network management.
”Those corporate years were a different kind of education,” I thought.
They taught me the intricacies of the telecom industry and the importance of innovation in a rapidly evolving market. However, the most significant shift came when I joined MIMOS Berhad as the Senior Director of the Wireless Communications Cluster. Here, my focus on IoT began to crystallize.
”How do we push the boundaries of IoT?” This question was my constant companion at MIMOS.
During this time, I also began sharing my thoughts through blogging. Initially, it was about gadgets and tech insights on Blogspot.
But as my understanding deepened, so did my content.
I created IoT World to explore the Internet of Things specifically, moving my platform to WordPress and eventually to Medium.
Medium became a game-changer for me, especially after joining the Medium Partner Program in September 2023.
”What should I write about today?” This question morphed into a more profound inquiry: ”How can I make my writing resonate?” On Medium, I found success by focusing on niche topics—IoT, entrepreneurship, social media, and even poetry and book reviews.
Each piece reflected my journey, my thoughts, and my growth.
But my story wasn’t just about professional milestones. It was about resilience and the unexpected turns of life.
I recalled my childhood in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur, the schools I attended, and my early entrepreneurial attempts, like selling my comic books.
”Failures teach you more than success ever will,” I often reminded myself. These early lessons were invaluable when I faced setbacks later in life.
For instance, not getting to study abroad after Form 5 (Secondary school) was a significant disappointment. ”What now?” I had wondered then.
But looking back, I realized that every setback opened a new path.
My journey from academia to the corporate world and eventually to founding FAVORIOT was a testament to the power of adaptability and perseverance.
Starting FAVORIOT was a leap of faith.
”Can we make a difference in the IoT landscape?” This question drove us, my colleagues, and me.
Over the years, FAVORIOT grew, offering comprehensive IoT solutions and helping businesses with their digital transformation.
My role as a leader required constant learning and evolution.
”Leadership is about inspiring others,” I often reminded myself.
It was also about making strategic decisions and navigating the complex landscape of tech entrepreneurship.
As I sat back, pondering what to write next, I realized that my journey was far from over.
”There’s still so much to explore and share,” I thought. The interplay of personal experiences, professional challenges, and the ever-evolving tech landscape provided endless stories and insights.
Engaging with the Medium community, my reflections resonated with many. Readers appreciated the blend of technical knowledge and personal anecdotes.
”Perhaps it’s the authenticity that connects,” I thought.
Sharing the successes, struggles, and learnings made the narrative relatable.
I also remembered my stint at REDtone IoT as the CEO. ”That was a turning point,” I thought.
Taking on the role of CEO was something I never envisioned.
The role demanded technical understanding, strategic vision, and leadership. It was an intense experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me invaluable lessons about business and innovation.
Reflecting on my career, I realized how each phase was interconnected.
My academic background provided a strong foundation, my corporate experience offered practical insights, and my entrepreneurial journey brought everything together.
”It’s all about the journey,” I reminded myself.
Each step, each challenge, and each success was a piece of the more giant puzzle.
As I continued reading the article on Medium, it suggested another crucial aspect: write about what excites you.
”What excites me now?” I asked myself.
The answer was clear – mentoring and giving back to the community. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to mentor young professionals, sharing my experiences and guiding them.
This role of mentor was deeply fulfilling, as it allowed me to contribute to the next generation of tech leaders.
I also found joy in public speaking, sharing insights at conferences, and engaging with a global audience.
”Each talk is an opportunity to learn and inspire,” I realized.
These engagements connected me to the latest trends and innovations, fueling my passion for continuous learning.
Writing, too, was a way of mentoring – sharing knowledge and experiences through words. The feedback from readers, the discussions sparked by my articles, and the sense of community on platforms like Medium were gratifying.
”It’s not just about writing; it’s about connecting,” I reflected.
Looking ahead, I knew there were still many stories to tell.
Stories about the future of IoT, the challenges and opportunities of smart cities, and the personal journey of an entrepreneur navigating the tech world.
”The best stories are yet to be written,” I thought, feeling renewed purpose.
In the end, the article on Medium did more than provide clarity on what to write about. It reminded me of the importance of authenticity, passion, and connection.
”Writing is a journey,” I concluded, much like my career. It’s about exploring, reflecting, and sharing – one story at a time.
As I continued to write, I knew I was documenting my journey and inspiring others to embark on their own.
The article’s advice to write about what you know, what excites you, and to be authentic resonated deeply with me.
”It’s all about finding your voice,” I realized.
That voice blended technical expertise, personal reflections, and a passion for innovation. And with each article, I felt closer to sharing my journey and creating a legacy of knowledge and inspiration.
So, as I sat down to write my next piece, I felt a sense of clarity and excitement.
”What story shall we tell today?” I asked myself, ready to dive into the next chapter of this ongoing adventure.
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Dr. Mazlan Abbas 