Author: Mazlan Abbas

IOT Evangelist

Spark – The Movie

“Spark” is a compelling cinematic odyssey that pulls you into the gritty streets of a city held hostage by the merciless grip of an evil gang. In this urban jungle, fear is the law, and despair, the currency. The gang, notorious for its savage martial arts contest, uses the lure of power and position to enthrall the city’s desperate and gullible souls.

From the shadows emerges our hero, a dedicated policeman, carrying within him a burning flame of vengeance, stoked by the tragic loss of his younger brother to the ruthless contest. His soul stirs with a relentless thirst for justice, his heart heavy with the memory of his innocent brother snuffed out in the prime of his life.

Empowered by an AI with super-intelligence, the hero is bestowed with masterful martial arts skills, equipping him to step into the lion’s den — the brutal martial arts contest that forms the heart of the gang’s cruel dominion. His entry into the competition sends a ripple of anticipation through the city, the silent whisper of a coming storm.

“Spark” weaves a tale of raw emotion and resolute courage, painting a vivid picture of a city on the edge and a hero daring to challenge the status quo. As our hero navigates the perilous terrain of the contest, each blow he lands, each stand he takes, is a symphony of pain, resilience, and an undying will to set things right.

Brace yourself for a movie experience that crackles with suspense, drama, and intense emotional energy. “Spark” explores the depth of human courage and the unfathomable lengths one man is willing to go for justice. It is a testimony to the indomitable human spirit that burns brightly even in the darkest of times.

Spark – The Movie

11 (Eleven) Things You Need to Know About MRANTI 5G Experience Centre

11 (Eleven) Things You Need to Know About MRANTI 5G Experience Centre

MRANTI on June 12, 2023, launched the 5G Experience Centre. Here’re the 11 things you need to know about the Centre:

  1. Fast-Tracking Innovations: The Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI) has launched its 5G Experience Centre. This government-led initiative is designed to fast-track the development of new innovations in the tech sector, such as drones and biotech, utilizing 5G technologies.
  2. Testing and Development Platform: The MRANTI 5G Experience Centre serves as a platform for prototyping, testing, and development of new technologies. It is set to complement an increasing number of 5G innovation facilities in Malaysia, providing an environment with speeds up to 1GBps for showcasing industrial applications and use cases.
  3. Economic Impact: Industry research predicts significant economic growth due to the deployment of 5G, with a potential GDP uplift of RM122 billion and 750,000 new jobs by 2030. This suggests a substantial socio-economic impact of 5G technology in Malaysia.
  4. Government Incentives: The Malaysian government encourages early adoption of 5G technologies to drive the growth of Industry 4.0 solutions. The state intends to support industries interested in using 5G technology by providing models to offset costs, facilitating its widespread adoption.
  5. 5G Coverage vs. Adoption: Despite reaching close to 50% 5G coverage, Malaysia currently experiences a 1% 5G adoption rate. The goal is to increase this significantly, with the GSMA Intelligence analysis predicting an 80% coverage by the end of 2023.
  6. Enterprise Innovation and Use Cases: The success of 5G will rely heavily on enterprise innovation and compelling use cases to encourage industry adoption. The MRANTI 5G Experience Centre is expected to play a significant role in this process by facilitating the prototyping, testing, and showcasing of such innovations.
  7. Key Areas of 5G Adoption: Infrastructure and facilities, ecosystem development, market access, talent development, and government support have been identified as the five key areas to fuel 5G adoption. These areas will address major concerns and enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness, attracting direct and indirect investments.
  8. Proofs-of-Concept (PoCs): Five PoCs covering healthcare, agriculture, smart city development, drone technology, and surveillance were launched. These are designed to benefit the B40 communities (bottom 40% of the income distribution) and the wider industry, fostering confidence for 5G adoption.
  9. Global Collaboration: MRANTI is collaborating with GSMA, allowing Malaysian innovators to collaborate with over 1,000 mobile ecosystem players worldwide. This will help to further local innovation and global market reach.
  10. Strategic Partnerships: MRANTI has also partnered with Maxis Bhd to accelerate 5G innovation and commercialization. This strategic collaboration is expected to foster a thriving ecosystem promoting new 5G-powered solutions and services in the B2B sector.
  11. Educational and Commercial Benefits: The MRANTI 5G Experience Centre, in addition to driving technological innovation, has immense potential for educational and commercial benefits. Universities, researchers, and industry experts can use it as a applied research platform. Meanwhile, infrastructure service providers, telcos, and enterprises interested in 5G applications can leverage this facility for testing and showcasing their solutions. This mix of innovation, education, and commercialisation marks a significant step in Malaysia’s journey toward a 5G-enabled future.

Originally published at https://iotworld.co on June 15, 2023.

Smart Infrastructure — Johor Smart City Forum

I was invited as the moderator for the panel session on “Strengthening IoT Infrastructure and Fiberisation for Smart Cities Development” on Day 3 (June 14, 2023).

Introduction: Entering the Digital Matrix

The dawn of digital technology has ushered in an era of unprecedented transformation. As we tread through this continuously evolving landscape, grasping the complexities of technology becomes vital. Central to this understanding is the concept of DNA, which stands for Devices, Network, and Applications. However, let’s expand our perspective beyond just telecommunications infrastructure to encompass the wider domain of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The Network’s Might: 5G and Fiber for High-Speed Applications

Diving into the ’N’ of DNA, we meet an ensemble of networks tailored to diverse applications. 5G and fiber-optic networks are the stalwarts for high-speed operations requiring potent connectivity. With their ultra-fast speeds and generous data transfer capacities, these powerhouses are propelling innovations such as cloud gaming, virtual reality, and beyond.

The Rise of IoT: LPWAN Takes Center Stage

Shifting the spotlight to IoT applications, we are introduced to Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN). Custom-built for IoT devices, LPWANs excel in providing extensive coverage while ensuring a lengthy battery lifespan, establishing them as the go-to for applications like smart meters, asset tracking, and environmental monitoring.

Laying the Foundation: The Intricacies of Network Expansion

Broadening these networks, particularly fiber, mandates meticulous planning and collaboration. Telecommunications firms must strategize on laying fiber cables to guarantee optimal connectivity. This undertaking entails thorough discussions with state and local councils to pinpoint both residential and commercial areas that would reap the benefits of fiber connectivity.

Navigating the Challenges: Coordination in Urban Planning

However, such planning isn’t free from hurdles. An intriguing dilemma materializes when telecommunications groundwork overlaps with scheduled roadworks. This requires a ballet of sorts — a dance where telecommunications companies and civic authorities must move in sync, ensuring that the development proceeds smoothly and on schedule.

Conclusion: Harmonizing the DNA for a Brighter Future

In conclusion, the DNA — Devices, Network, and Applications — is the bedrock of our hyper-connected world. Whether it’s the high-speed applications banking on 5G and fiber, or the IoT applications leveraging LPWAN, comprehending these facets is imperative in molding our digital future. As we stride ahead, the synergy between technological advancement and urban planning becomes increasingly significant, ensuring that the symphony of progress continues uninterrupted.

Originally published at https://iotworld.co on June 15, 2023.

Smart People & Living — Johor Smart City Forum

I was invited by Johor Smart City Forum on second day (13 June) as one of the panelist on Smart Community.

One of the questions that the moderator asked is:

Community engagement is a vital aspect of smart city development. How can smart solutions effectively involve and empower diverse groups within the community, including marginalized populations, to ensure an inclusive decision-making process and equitable access to smart city benefits.

The main points which I want to deliver is below:

The concept of Smart Cities is rapidly evolving from a futuristic vision to a tangible reality. However, for Smart Cities to truly thrive, they must be built around the people they serve — the citizens. In this blog, we will explore how adopting a citizen-centric perspective, and utilizing data from Citizen Engagement Apps and social media, can aid local councils in identifying and prioritizing the problems of citizens for building efficient smart city solutions.

Harnessing the Power of Citizen Engagement Apps:

Citizen Engagement Apps are a treasure trove of data and insights. These applications allow citizens to interact directly with local councils, provide feedback, and file complaints. The apps serve as a bridge, enabling an open line of communication between the citizens and the authorities. When a citizen encounters an issue, be it a pothole, a streetlight outage, or an environmental concern, they can instantly report it through the app.

Tapping Into Social Media Insights:

In addition to Citizen Engagement Apps, social media platforms are invaluable sources of data. Citizens often voice their concerns, frustrations, and suggestions on social media. By monitoring and analyzing this data, local councils can gain insights into recurring issues, urgent needs, and general sentiment regarding urban living conditions.

Combining Data to Understand Citizen Perspectives:

When the data from Citizen Engagement Apps is combined with insights drawn from social media, it paints a comprehensive picture of the challenges and needs of the citizens. This mosaic of information serves as the cornerstone for local councils to identify the key problems that need attention.

Prioritizing Smart City Solutions:

Armed with this rich data, local councils can move forward with a targeted approach in developing smart city solutions. They can prioritize issues that have the most significant impact on citizens’ lives, and strategically allocate resources to address them. This might involve improving public transportation, optimizing waste management, enhancing public safety, or any number of initiatives.

For instance, if data indicates a high volume of traffic congestion and pollution complaints, the council could prioritize developing a smart traffic management system that reduces congestion and subsequently lowers pollution levels.

Conclusion:

Building Smart Cities is not just about integrating cutting-edge technologies; it’s about creating urban environments that improve the quality of life for their inhabitants. By placing the citizen at the heart of the development process, and leveraging data from Citizen Engagement Apps and social media, local councils can ensure that Smart City solutions address real-world problems and create sustainable, livable, and efficient urban spaces for all.

Originally published at https://iotworld.co on June 15, 2023.

Passion is Key to Sustainability

What are you passionate about?

From the first whispers of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the early 2000s to now, my love for this technology has grown and matured, mirroring the very evolution of IoT itself. In 2014, what was a casual interest transformed into a fervent pursuit, leading me to serve as the CEO of a smart cities-focused subsidiary between 2015 and 2017.

The establishment of my start-up, Favoriot, marked a significant milestone on my path. This venture embodied not only my professional dedication but also my personal passion, intertwining the two to the point of being indistinguishable. It was here that I embraced my role as an IoT thought leader and evangelist, sharing my fascination and knowledge with a wider audience. Such was my influence that I found myself affectionately dubbed as the “Father of IoT Malaysia” – a humbling honor that fuels my commitment to this day.

My constant exploration and work in IoT often astonish my friends and business colleagues. Their career paths have taken several turns over the years, while mine has remained faithfully on the course set by IoT. Their curiosity always brings me back to a simple truth – the undeniable power of passion. It’s this fervor that empowers a founder to surmount the harshest obstacles, adapt amidst relentless challenges, and survive in a competitive, ever-changing market. Passion is the engine that drives the venture and the compass that guides it.

Despite my intense focus on IoT, my life is not without other interests. I find myself charmed by the allure of new gadgets, captivated by the art of photography, and rejuvenated by the thrill of exploring new places. These hobbies might not directly contribute to my business, but they offer an invaluable break, a mental oasis amidst the rigors of entrepreneurial life.

As I pen this down, I find myself curious about your passions. What sparks your interest, what challenges you, what excites you? In the end, isn’t it the interconnection of our stories, much like the interconnection of devices in IoT, that makes our shared journey all the more fascinating?

After all, in this grand scheme of things, our passions and pursuits, no matter how diverse, are interconnected in their drive to make the world a better place. And as the “Father of IoT Malaysia,” I invite you to join me on this journey to discover, learn, and grow together in this ever-evolving world of IoT.

Tackling Flood Challenges in Malaysia With IoT

Tackling Flood Challenges in Malaysia With IoT

With its unique geographic location, Malaysia is blessed with abundant natural beauty. However, this equatorial nation also grapples with a yearly monsoon season that often results in widespread flooding. While we can’t stop the rain from falling, we can certainly take strides to manage its impact better using innovative technologies. Enter the Internet of Things (IoT).

Malaysia’s Monsoon Woes

Malaysia, like many countries in Southeast Asia, experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. Flooding has become a significant concern with cities becoming more densely populated and infrastructural developments taking place quickly. These floods disrupt daily life, cause substantial economic losses, and, in the worst cases, result in loss of life.

As city residents, we’ve all experienced how rapidly floods can inundate our streets, often giving us little time to respond. Frighteningly, the challenges are only predicted to grow, with climate change and urbanization contributing to more frequent and severe floods.

Empowering Communities With IoT

So, how can IoT help? Picture a network of small, low-power sensors strategically placed around our cities. Using LoRa® device connectivity, these sensors can continually calculate and track water levels in real time. Imagine these sensors in our city’s storm drains and waterways, providing live updates and issuing alerts as water levels rise.

These IoT solutions do more than detect potential floods; they also aid in proactive flood management. We can develop more effective flood response strategies using real-time data and foster safer, more resilient communities.

The Power of Customer-centric IoT Solutions

Where the IoT solutions shine is in their customer-centric approach. The data collected from the sensors can be integrated with various apps accessible to everyone in the community. These apps can alert residents of potential flooding risks and provide important information, such as evacuation routes and safety measures.

What’s more, these IoT solutions work even when other systems fail. During floods, Wi-Fi and other communication systems can falter. Still, the long-range, low-power LoRa® device connectivity remains reliable, ensuring that vital data and alerts reach those who need them.

The Future is Here: Building a Resilient Malaysia with IoT

While IoT can’t stop the rain from falling, it can help us better anticipate and react to floods. With their ability to gather data continuously, these devices provide us with the insights we need to respond effectively to flood threats.

IoT technology empowers us to build more prepared and resilient communities, which is necessary in the face of growing climate change threats. With IoT, we can safeguard our homes and businesses and save lives.

Indeed, the future of flood management in Malaysia is powered by IoT. So let’s embrace it together, creating a safer and more resilient nation. Explore more about our Favoriot IoT platform on our website. Together, we can turn the tide against flooding.

Originally published at https://iotworld.co on June 14, 2023.

Seram – The Movie

“Seram,” a thrilling Malay cinematic masterpiece, sweeps you into an enthralling journey of friendship, betrayal, and valor, where the boundaries of trust are tested and the strength of the human spirit is pushed to its limits.

At the heart of our tale are three friends, their bond forged by shared dreams and a camaraderie that promises to stand the test of time. Yet, in a haunting twist of fate, one among them succumbs to the dark allure of power, becoming an insidious villain with the ability to traverse the universe, his superpowers casting a sinister pall over their once unshakable bond.

Feeling the acute sting of their friend’s betrayal and driven by an unwavering sense of duty, our heroes turn to an unlikely ally, a humanoid imbued with extraordinary intelligence. Entrusted with cutting-edge IoT weaponry, they are propelled into a universe-spanning chase, their journey taking them across the star-dotted canvas of the cosmos, in their pursuit of their wayward friend.

Their path leads them to a land deeply rooted in Malay culture and tradition, a serene setting that belies the imminent showdown between the forces of good and evil. As the final battle looms, “Seram” crescendos into an emotionally charged narrative, every frame echoing with the pain of betrayal, the weight of responsibility, and the unwavering courage to fight against overwhelming odds.

“Seram” is a poignant exploration of the complexities of friendship, the duality of human nature, and the undeniable power of unity in the face of adversity. As you delve into this riveting saga, you’ll find yourself immersed in a heartrending tale that beautifully encapsulates the struggle between good and evil, a tale that resonates long after the final credits roll.

Seram – The Movie

Can’t Live Without My iPhone

What’s the one luxury you can’t live without?

I believe my current iPhone Pro Max is the most expensive smartphone I have ever own.

Maybe with the same price, I can buy a laptop. I have never imagined a phone can be more expensive than a laptop.

On the other hand, this iPhone acts as a small laptop. It can run many apps which is available on a laptop such as Microsoft Office, video editing tools and many more. Although at times, serious editing using Canva or Powerpoint is far easier on Laptop or my Mac.

I carried this gadget all day long. It captures my moments and saves many of my personal data.

This is something I can’t live without. Why? Because if I forgot to bring my phone, I will quickly go back to fetch it.

How about you?

Misteri – The Movie

In the gripping and evocative tale of “Misteri,” we find ourselves enthralled in the quests of three distinct heroes, each one a beacon of courage and resilience against the bleak backdrops of their individual lands. Their lives, though miles apart, are bound together by a common thread — the menace of a sinister villain, whose inscrutable magical powers cast a foreboding shadow over their existence.

Our heroes, diverse in their origins and paths, are unexpectedly entrusted with fragments of a clandestine knowledge — three pieces of a cryptic puzzle that hold the potential to unravel the villain’s potent magic and bring his reign of terror to a decisive end. Yet, these fragments only hold the key to victory when pieced together, a feat that can only be achieved if the heroes can transcend their differences, unite their strength, and embark on a perilous journey fraught with challenges to reach one another.

As “Misteri” unfolds, it tells a story that is as much about the outer journey to conquer a common enemy, as it is about the inner journey of these three disparate souls towards trust, unity, and understanding. The narrative resonates with emotional depth, each twist and turn resonating with the triumphant spirit of camaraderie, the piercing ache of sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of hope.

Embrace yourself for a heartrending cinematic experience, as “Misteri” weaves a tale of epic proportions, exploring the raw power of unity against a seemingly invincible enemy, and the heroes’ indomitable resolve in their quest for peace. It’s a story that will stay with you, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit when confronted with the grandest of mysteries.

Misteri – The Movie