The Dreams of an Entrepreneur

ABOUT ME SERIES — MAZLAN ABBAS

My Journey

Sitting in my home, looking out the window, I often reflect on the journey that brought me here. My name is Mazlan Abbas, and I’ve always been a dreamer. But what does it mean to be a dreamer? And how did my dreams shape my path as an entrepreneur?

The Early Sparks of Imagination

As a child, I vividly remember being captivated by science fiction novels and DC comics. The futuristic worlds of ‘The Jetsons’ and the adventures in ‘Land of the Giants’ sparked my imagination. “One day,” I would tell myself, “I’ll create something that will change the world, just like the inventions in these stories.”

The dreams of a young boy, many would say. But for me, they were more than mere fantasies. They were the seeds of my future.

The Path to Becoming a Scientist

I was determined to pursue a career that would allow me to turn my dreams into reality. My journey began at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, where I obtained my Bachelor of Electrical Engineering. “This is just the beginning,” I thought as I walked across the stage to receive my degree.

The following steps were a Master of Science in Telematics from the University of Essex and a Ph.D. in Telecommunications from UTM. Each degree was a milestone, a testament to my unwavering commitment to my dreams.

From Academia to Industry

Entering the workforce, I joined CELCOM Axiata, where I immersed myself in the telecom industry. The experience was invaluable, but I quickly realized that my true calling was to work within existing systems and innovate and create new ones.

“Why not start my own company?” the thought lingered. It was a daunting idea, but the dreamer in me couldn’t let it go.

Founding FAVORIOT

In 2017, I co-founded FAVORIOT Sdn Bhd with the vision of transforming cities through IoT technology. “This is it,” I told myself, “the culmination of years of dreaming and hard work.” FAVORIOT wasn’t just a company but a platform to realize my dream of creating smarter, more connected cities.

The Challenges and Triumphs

Starting a company from the ground up is no small feat. There were days when the obstacles seemed insurmountable. “Is this possible?” I would ask myself during moments of doubt. But every challenge was met with a renewed determination.

Each setback was a lesson, each failure a stepping stone.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been seeing the tangible impact of our work. The smart city solutions we’ve developed have improved efficiency and enhanced the quality of life for many. “This is why we do it,” I remind myself, “to make a real difference.”

The Role of a Thought Leader

As FAVORIOT grew, so did my role as a thought leader in the IoT and smart city space. Being recognized globally, listed in Onalytica’s “Who’s Who in IoT,” and ranked among the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders on IoT by Thinkers360, affirming my work.

“How can I inspire others?” I often pondered. Speaking at major conferences and sharing insights on social media became avenues to reach out to budding entrepreneurs and technologists.

I aimed to ignite the same spark in others that had driven me.

The Importance of Mentorship

One thing I’ve learned is that dreams are not realized in isolation. Mentorship has played a crucial role in my journey. From my days in academia to my professional career, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who guided me.

“How can I give back?” I asked myself. As an adjunct professor and member of industry advisory panels, I’ve had the opportunity to mentor the next generation.

It’s a responsibility I cherish deeply.

Writing and Sharing Knowledge

Another dream of mine has been to share knowledge through writing. My journey in blogging started on Blogspot, eventually transitioning to more focused platforms like WordPress and Medium. Writing about IoT, entrepreneurship, and my experiences has been a way to connect with a broader audience.

“Words have power,” I believe, and I aim to inspire and educate through my articles. Joining the Medium Partner Program in 2023 was a milestone, allowing me to reach even more readers.

The Dream Continues

Even now, with years of experience and numerous achievements, the dream continues. “What’s next?” I often ask myself. The landscape of technology is ever-evolving, and with it, so are the opportunities to innovate.

I’m excited about the potential of AI, blockchain, and other emerging technologies to transform our world further. FAVORIOT will continue to be at the forefront of these innovations, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

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A Message to Dreamers

I tell all the dreamers: Dream big but be prepared to work tirelessly. Embrace failures as stepping stones to success. Seek mentors and be a mentor.

Most importantly, always remember why you started.

Reflecting on my journey, I’m filled with gratitude as I sit here. The dreams of that young boy, fueled by science fiction and a love for technology, have come a long way. But the journey is far from over. There are still many dreams to be realized, many innovations to be made, and many lives to be touched.

And so, the dreamer in me continues to dream with the same zeal and passion as always. “The best is yet to come,” I tell myself, ready to embrace the future with open arms.