Category: Blog

My 13-Year Odyssey in One of Malaysia’s Biggest Telco – Lessons Learned

Journeying Through the Telecom Labyrinth: Lessons from a Diverse Management Career

Embarking on my career at one of Malaysia’s leading telecommunications companies, I found myself in a whirlwind of varied management roles.

My early days were a deep dive into the multifaceted world of telecom, from research and development to network operations and business management.

This rotational approach wasn’t just about career advancement; it was a journey into the heart of the industry’s complexities and interconnections.

Each role presented its unique challenges, shaping my approach to leadership and excellence.

I learned the art of agility, adapting swiftly to changes and innovating in the face of complex problems.

Tech Evolution: Riding the Wave of Change

The technological aspect of my tenure was nothing short of exhilarating. Immersed in an industry characterized by rapid evolution, I developed a passion for the ever-changing tech landscape.

This inclination towards dynamic and innovative environments significantly influenced my career trajectory, pushing me towards creative and strategic roles over routine operational tasks.

The Art of Team Management: Understanding Diversity and Adaptability

One of the most challenging yet fulfilling aspects of my journey was managing diverse teams.

The variation in team sizes and the unique mix of backgrounds and attitudes brought forth distinctive challenges.

It was imperative to develop adaptable management strategies.

These experiences sharpened my skills in conflict resolution, team cohesion, and empathetic leadership, underscoring the importance of empathy and understanding in managing diverse teams.

Balancing Tech and Market Needs in Product Development

My role in product development was particularly enlightening.

It required me to balance technical feasibility with market demands, emphasizing the need to align technical solutions with business objectives.

This period highlighted the necessity of ensuring our products not only met technological standards but also catered to and satisfied customer needs.

The High Stakes of Business Management

Taking the reins of a division with nearly RM 50 million in annual revenue was a daunting yet rewarding challenge.

It demanded acute business insight, strategic foresight, and robust risk management. Juggling ambitious growth targets with the imperative of operational sustainability was a constant balancing act.

Crisis Management: Overcoming Billing System Transition Challenges

A particularly challenging phase was overseeing the transition to a new billing system.

This phase, laden with technical challenges and customer dissatisfaction, was a rigorous test of my crisis management abilities.

The high-tension environment and the fear of a key staff resignation potentially crippling the company taught me valuable lessons in resilience and strategic problem-solving.

The Lasting Value of Professional Relationships

Beyond the professional milestones, the enduring friendships formed during my tenure at the telco are among my most treasured experiences.

These relationships, spanning over two decades, extend beyond professional boundaries and remain a cherished part of my life.

Conclusion: Reflecting on a Journey of Growth and Connection

In summing up my 13-year tenure with the Malaysian telco, it’s clear that it was a journey marked by challenges, triumphs, and significant personal development.

It instilled in me the importance of adaptability, the value of lifelong learning, and the power of human connections.

I am deeply grateful for the myriad lessons learned and the enduring relationships built, which continue to enrich my life in countless ways.

My Powerpoint Slides Get Corrupted Just Before My Presentation and This Is What I Did

After preparing presentation slides for several days to give a lecture to Uniten students yesterday, I found that the slides had become corrupted.

Many slides were missing information! This happened just as I had connected my computer and projected it onto the screen.

I remembered that when I was about to shut down my computer before heading to Uniten yesterday afternoon, the PowerPoint software warned me that there was an issue with saving the file.

Perhaps it was because I changed the folder name while making the slides. But I continued to save it with a different name without suspecting anything.

Back to my story in front of the students, I had to quickly search for old slides I had previously used.

I combined two presentation files. Therefore, I had to open and present them separately.

However, some of the new slides could not be shown because they were corrupted.

Thankfully, the presentation yesterday still went well, although I lost a few points that I couldn’t convey.

That’s a brief story of my first presentation or lecture experience in the new year 2024.

10 Years of Lessons as a UTM Lecturer: Insights and Growth

A Reflection – The Early Days of My Career

Reflecting on a decade of experience as a lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), I’ve gleaned invaluable insights into the art of teaching and connecting with students.

This journey has not only honed my academic skills but has also been a personal growth experience, shaping me into a more confident and impactful educator.

Understanding Students’ Needs

Initially, I perceived teaching as a straightforward transfer of knowledge.

However, I quickly realized that students yearn for more than just information; they seek engagement, inspiration, and real-world application.

Adapting my teaching methods to meet these needs was a transformative step in my career.

Engagement Strategies

To captivate students’ attention, I learned the importance of interactive and relatable content.

Techniques like group discussions, real-life examples, and incorporating technology made my lectures more appealing.

This approach not only made the classes more enjoyable but also facilitated deeper understanding.

Knowledge and Respect

A crucial lesson was the importance of being well-prepared and knowledgeable.

Students respect lecturers who display a deep understanding of their subject.

This respect became a powerful tool in creating a conducive learning environment, where students felt more inclined to participate and engage.

Confidence in Public Speaking

Regular lectures served as a training ground for public speaking.

Over time, this practice built my confidence, enabling me to present effectively at international conferences.

The ability to convey ideas clearly and confidently is an invaluable skill I acquired through my teaching journey.

Research and Development

My role as a lecturer extended beyond the classroom.

Conducting in-depth research and publishing papers kept me at the forefront of my field, benefiting both my students and my professional growth.

This aspect of my job has been particularly fulfilling, contributing to the broader academic community.

Building Lasting Relationships

Perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of my tenure has been the relationships formed with students.

Many have become friends, colleagues, or even clients, often reminding me of the impact I had during their university days.

This has been a profound reminder of the lasting influence educators have on their students’ lives.

Conclusion

As I reflect on these 10 years, I realize how this journey has been as much about my own learning as it has been about teaching others.

These lessons have not only made me a better lecturer but have also enriched my life in countless ways.

At UTM, I learned that being an educator is about inspiring, connecting, and continuously evolving, both personally and professionally.

I Almost Give Up Writing on Medium But Then Things Changed

It’s a familiar story for many writers on platforms like Medium: you start with high hopes, pouring your heart and soul into your articles, only to find that no one seems to be reading them.

This was my story, too.

I remember staring at the screen, the view counts stubbornly stuck at zero, the comment section desolate.

It’s disheartening, to say the least. But here’s why giving up isn’t the answer.

The Initial Struggle

I began my writing journey with enthusiasm.

My focus was on sharing my experiences as an entrepreneur, a topic close to my heart.

Yet, despite posting daily, even multiple times a day, the silence from the audience was deafening.

Not a single comment or clap. It was as if my words were disappearing into a void.

Searching for Answers

Why were some writers gaining hundreds of followers rapidly while my articles languished unnoticed?

I watched as others’ articles were boosted, wondering why mine weren’t getting any traction. The frustration was palpable.

I checked my traffic statistics obsessively, but nothing seemed to change.

The Turning Point

Before I allowed despair to take over, I decided to step back and analyze.

What were successful writers doing that I wasn’t? I read other articles, trying to understand the secret to their engagement and visibility.

This period of learning and reflection was crucial. It led me to implement several strategies that would eventually change my writing journey.

Implementing New Strategies

1. Writing with Emotion:

Instead of mechanically churning out content, I started to infuse my writing with personal stories and emotions.

I shared my entrepreneurial journey, not just as a series of events, but as a narrative filled with my hopes, challenges, and learnings.

2. Exploring New Niches:

I ventured beyond entrepreneurship, dabbling in topics like personal experiences and progress reports on Medium itself.

To my surprise, these new topics resonated with readers and brought in more engagement.

3. Crafting Better Headlines:

Recognizing my weakness in creating catchy headlines, I studied other authors and experimented with different styles.

The impact was immediate.

Attractive headlines drew more readers to my articles.

4. Short Bite Articles:

I learned that brevity can be powerful.

Short, concise sentences made my articles more accessible and emotionally impactful.

People seemed to appreciate these bite-sized insights over dense, fact-heavy content.

5. Engaging with Readers:

By involving readers through questions and prompts for feedback, I opened a channel for interaction.

This not only increased engagement but also built a community around my writing.

6. Aiming for Longer Read Times:

Understanding the importance of read time for monetization, I focused on creating content that would keep readers engaged beyond the typical 30-second skim.

It was about finding the sweet spot where depth meets accessibility.

The Results

The results were encouraging.

My views, follower count, and overall engagement began to climb.

I was reaching people, and more importantly, they were responding.

This was the moment I knew I had to persist with my writing on Medium.

Lessons Learned

Persistence is Key:

Success in writing, as in any field, requires persistence.

It’s about showing up, day after day, even when it feels like no one is listening.

Adapt and Grow:

Being open to change and willing to adapt your strategies is crucial.

What works for one writer may not work for another, but there are always new approaches to explore.

The Power of Community:

Engaging with other writers and readers is not just about increasing views.

It’s about building relationships and learning from each other.

Quality Over Quantity:

While it’s important to be consistent, the quality of your content is what ultimately creates value for your readers.

Moving Forward

As I look ahead, I’m filled with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism.

I’ve learned that writing is not just about putting words on a page; it’s about connecting with others, sharing experiences, and growing both as a writer and as a person.

Conclusion

To those who feel unseen in their writing journey, remember: every writer has been where you are.

The key is to not give up.

Keep writing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep believing in the power of your words.

Your audience is out there, and one day, they will find you.

In this article, I’ve shared my personal journey of overcoming the challenges of writing when it felt like no one was reading.

Through perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to engage with the community, I found my voice and audience, proving that persistence in writing can indeed pay off.

Image created using Midjourney by Author.

My Writing Dilemma: Balancing Authenticity with AI Assistance

Today, AI-driven content creation is on the rise, writers like me are grappling with a fundamental question: Can artificial intelligence coexist with the authentic voice of a human writer?

This question has become particularly pertinent in my journey as a writer, especially in my attempts to gain visibility on platforms like Medium.

The AI Conundrum in Writing

I’ve always been fascinated by the potential of AI to enhance my writing.

Like many others, I envisioned AI as a tool to refine my ideas and craft them into eloquent essays or engaging blog posts.

This led me to experiment with ChatGPT, hoping it would help me expand my main points into full-fledged articles.

However, this approach, I realized, was flawed.

Despite my efforts, my articles weren’t gaining the traction I hoped for on Medium.

They received some views, reads, and claps, but never made it to the coveted “For You” tab.

I couldn’t help but notice that certain authors seemed to have their work promoted almost daily. This discrepancy led me to question: What was I missing?

Intrigued, I began scouring the internet for answers and stumbled upon a revealing article titled “Medium Says Writers Can Use AI — Under One Condition.”

The insights I gained were eye-opening, to say the least. It was a moment of reckoning, prompting me to reevaluate my approach to writing.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of AI in Writing

The realization hit hard.

Was I too dependent on AI? Was my voice getting lost in the algorithmically generated content?

I needed to find a balance where AI could assist without overshadowing my personal touch. Here’s how I decided to pivot:

Embracing Simplicity and Authenticity

The key, I realized, was to write as naturally as I would chat with friends on WhatsApp or social media.

Embracing simplicity meant opting for shorter, more digestible sentences over complex, long-winded ones.

Short paragraphs became my new norm, often consisting of just one sentence.

This approach not only made my writing more accessible but also lent it a conversational tone, resonating more with readers.

Overcoming Language Barriers

English is not my first language, which added another layer of complexity to my writing process.

To tackle this, I turned to tools like Grammarly, which helped me navigate grammatical nuances and refine the tone of my writing.

This was a game-changer, allowing me to express myself more confidently and clearly.

AI as a Complementary Tool

I began to view AI not as a crutch but as a complementary tool.

It was there to suggest ideas, help with structure, and offer guidance on grammar and style.

However, the core of the content—the soul of the writing—had to come from me.

A New Beginning

Armed with these insights, I embarked on a new journey.

I wrote an article without AI assistance, focusing solely on expressing my thoughts in their most authentic form.

This experiment was not just about testing a different writing method; it was about rediscovering my voice as a writer.

The results were more encouraging than I had anticipated.

There was a noticeable difference in how readers engaged with my content.

The personal touch, the human element in my writing, seemed to resonate more profoundly.

The Road Ahead

As I continue on this path, I’m keenly aware that the world of content creation is constantly changing.

AI will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping this landscape.

However, it’s crucial to remember that the heart of great writing lies in the human experience—the emotions, perspectives, and insights that only a human can provide.

My journey has taught me that while AI can be a valuable asset, it should never overshadow the authenticity and personal touch that define truly impactful writing.

So, to my fellow writers grappling with this modern dilemma, I say: Embrace AI, but let your unique voice lead the way.

Happy writing, and good luck to us all!

Check out my Startup Survival latest book.

The Art of Startup Alchemy: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Entrepreneurship is inherently uncertain.

No one can guarantee business success, and the path to failure often seems easier, especially if we assume that success will come without effort.

This blog delves into what it really takes to succeed in the unpredictable world of startups, particularly for those transitioning from the corporate world.

The Seven Key Insights for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

  1. Workforce Dynamics: In the corporate realm, we have a plethora of employees aiding us, from finance to human resources, sales, marketing, IT, and R&D. But in a startup, the question arises: which roles should be permanent, and which should we outsource? For product development startups, full-time skilled employees in R&D and IT are crucial.
  2. Salary Realities: Many don’t grasp this aspect of entrepreneurship. Corporate jobs often come with high salaries and various perks. However, founders typically forgo their salaries or take much lower pay than their employees. This financial sacrifice is a reality not well understood by many employees.
  3. Marketing on a Shoestring: What can a startup do with a limited marketing budget? Many turn to social media as a cost-effective starting point, often without paid ads. Blogs can be another channel to amplify our “voice,” especially when competing with the larger marketing budgets of corporate giants isn’t feasible.
  4. Sales and Pricing Challenges: Pricing a new product appropriately is a tough nut to crack. Set it too low, and you incur losses; too high, and customers balk. Gaining customer trust is also more challenging for lesser-known startups, leading to missed opportunities against established or international companies.
  5. Project Poaching (Sailang): Sailang, meaning “snatch” or “grab,” is a common occurrence where project proposals are overtaken by others. Customers sometimes feign interest in proposals while having another company in mind. This doesn’t even include the widespread issue of corruption.
  6. Partnership Pitfalls: Choosing strategic partners should be done judiciously. Many partnerships end up being fleeting, limited to the scope of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). True collaboration should benefit both parties equally.
  7. Business Plan Realities: In the corporate world, business plans are drawn annually based on established trends. However, for a 1-2 year old startup, creating a detailed business plan is nearly impossible due to the unpredictability of market and customer behavior.

The Gap Between Theory and Practice

This is why theoretical knowledge gained in courses or universities doesn’t always align with real-world experiences.

You might see a large market, but lack financial support.

Your technology and products might be advanced, but customers are not ready to buy. You might have financial backing but lack a viable business idea.

Conclusion

As I mentioned at the beginning, business success is far from guaranteed.

Overcoming these challenges is a must.

Success in business is rarely easy (except perhaps through unethical means) and requires navigating the real twists and turns of entrepreneurship.

Lifeblogging: A New Lens on Life

Have you ever considered lifeblogging?

It’s the modern twist to the diaries we once treasured, but with a digital heartbeat.

Discover the Magic of Lifeblogging
This isn’t just a platform; it’s a vibrant, living canvas where the everyday becomes remarkable.

Every moment, from the mundane to the monumental, forms part of a captivating narrative – your life story, shared in real time.

A Journey Beyond Ordinary Blogging
Lifeblogging isn’t just a subset of blogging; it’s a unique genre in its own right.

It’s about weaving the threads of daily experiences into a rich tapestry of personal tales.

Each post, each shared memory, adds color and depth to this tapestry, transforming routine events into chapters of an enthralling story.

Why Lifeblogging Captivates
Lifeblogging isn’t just a practice; it’s a celebration of life. It’s about:

  • Capturing the Essence of Memories: Freeze moments in time, creating a beautiful mosaic of your life’s journey.
  • Therapeutic Reflection: It’s a reflective mirror, allowing you to ponder, grow, and understand your life’s narrative.
  • Building Bonds: Share your story and find a community of kindred spirits, weaving connections across the digital expanse.
  • Turning Moments into Stories: Elevate everyday occurrences into compelling narratives, filled with emotion, lessons, and insights.

The Benefits of Sharing Your Story
Lifeblogging extends beyond a personal hobby; it’s a transformative experience. It brings myriad benefits:

  • Mirror of Self-Discovery: It’s a tool for introspection, fostering personal growth and self-awareness.
  • Community and Connections: Through sharing, you create a tapestry of relationships, finding solidarity and support in others.
  • Digital Memory Lane: Your blog becomes a timeless vault, preserving fleeting moments and cherished memories for posterity.

What to Share in a Lifeblog
Wondering what slices of life to share? Here’s some inspiration:

  • Ordinary Yet Captivating: The everyday routines, when shared, can be surprisingly engaging and inspiring.
  • Personal Insights: Your thoughts and reflections add a layer of depth, making your story relatable and real.
  • Celebrating Milestones: From birthdays to bucket-list adventures, these highlights bring excitement and joy to your narrative.
  • The Ups and Downs: Authenticity shines when you share both triumphs and challenges, painting a full picture of your life.

My Personal Journey with Lifeblogging
Lifeblogging has been a personal voyage of discovery and connection for me.

The stories I share – moments both big and small – have not only shaped my digital narrative but have also sculpted my personal growth.

It’s about sharing wisdom, inspiring others, and possibly even changing lives.

The Joy of Documenting Life
In conclusion, lifeblogging transcends a mere pastime; it’s a pursuit of passion.

It involves capturing the raw, unedited essence of life and sharing it with the world.

Embark on Your Lifeblogging Adventure
I invite you to start your own lifeblogging journey.

Whether it’s through text, photos, or videos, begin capturing your story today.

Embrace this opportunity to enrich your life and maybe even touch the lives of others.

Start documenting, start sharing, and watch the magic unfold in your life and the lives around you.

Top 9 Books on Making Money Through Blogging

Blogging has transcended its roots as a personal hobby to become a potent avenue for generating substantial income.

With countless aspiring bloggers eager to carve out their niche and monetize their passion, the quest for reliable, insightful, and actionable guidance is more pressing than ever.

This blog review meticulously examines the top 10 books dedicated to the art and science of making money through blogging.

Each book under review has been selected for its depth of insight, practical strategies, and relevance to the continuously evolving blogging landscape.

These books offer more than mere tips; they are treasure troves of wisdom distilled from years of hands-on experience and success in the blogging realm.

From unlocking the secrets of content that resonates and engages, to demystifying the algorithms of search engines, and harnessing the power of social media marketing, these books provide a comprehensive toolkit for the modern blogger.

In an analytical dissection, we delve into each book’s core teachings, scrutinizing how their strategies align with the current digital trends and the practicality of their approaches in the real-world scenario of blogging.

This review aims not just to list books but to offer a critical lens through which both budding and seasoned bloggers can evaluate and choose the resources most aligned with their blogging journey and financial goals.

As the digital landscape becomes increasingly competitive, this review stands as a guiding light, illuminating the path to blogging success through the wisdom of those who have traversed it successfully.

  1. “ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income” by Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett: This book is often cited for its comprehensive approach, offering practical advice from seasoned bloggers. It covers various aspects of blogging, from setting up a blog to monetizing it.
  2. “The Essential Habits Of 6-Figure Bloggers” by Sally Miller: This book delves into the habits and strategies of successful bloggers, providing insights into what it takes to earn a significant income from blogging.
  3. “How To Make Money Blogging” by Bob Lotich: Offering a straightforward approach, this book breaks down the process of starting a blog and monetizing it in a digestible format, ideal for beginners.
  4. “Blog, Inc.: Blogging for Passion, Profit, and to Create Community” by Joy Deangdeelert Cho: This book is a great resource for understanding the community and business aspects of blogging. It’s particularly noted for its insights into creating a loyal audience.
  5. “Blogging for Profits in 2020: 10,000/month ultimate guide” by Ronald Roberts: Focusing on recent trends and strategies, this book is valuable for those looking to understand the current blogging landscape and how to profit from it.
  6. “Content Inc.: How Entrepreneurs Use Content to Build Massive Audiences and Create Radically Successful Businesses” by Joe Pulizzi: While not exclusively about blogging, this book is essential for understanding content marketing, a key aspect of successful blogging.
  7. “SEO 2021: Learn Search Engine Optimization with Smart Internet Marketing Strategies” by Adam Clarke: Since SEO is crucial for blogging success, this book is a must-read for understanding how to make your blog visible and profitable through SEO.
  8. “Make Money Blogging: Proven Strategies to Make Money Online while You Work from Home” by Joseph Hogue: This book offers a blend of blogging basics and advanced monetization strategies, making it a useful guide for a range of readers.
  9. “The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users” by Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick: Recognizing the importance of social media in driving blog traffic, this book is a guide to effectively using social platforms to enhance a blog’s reach and profitability.

Lessons I Learned Navigating the Unpredictable Path of my Career

I’d like to share with you the remarkable twists and turns of my career journey.

It’s a story of unexpected shifts, surprising opportunities, and valuable lessons learned along the way.

Discovering an Unexpected Role as a CEO and Entrepreneur

I always dreamed of becoming a scientist, fascinated by the idea of creating robots.

However, life had other plans for me.

I never thought I would one day be a CEO or embark on the challenging path of entrepreneurship.

This transition in my life taught me how our goals and aspirations can transform over time.

My Academic Foundation

My professional life began in the world of academia.

As an educator, I started as an Assistant Lecturer and worked my way up to Associate Professor.

I cherished my role as a teacher, driven by a natural instinct to educate and inspire.

Venturing into the Corporate Realm

Faced with the possibility of transferring to UTM Skudai, I made a bold decision to join Celcom, a private sector company.

During my 13 years there, I experienced a rich variety of roles – from Research and Development to Integrated Business Solutions.

This period was instrumental in broadening my professional horizon.

Pursuing R&D Excellence at Mimos

When I joined Mimos, I was fueled by a desire to uplift national R&D standards.

Working in a government agency, I had lofty ambitions and faced a mix of experiences.

Although I spent eight years as a Head Researcher, I sometimes felt that my earlier experiences were not fully utilized, which was a source of some disappointment.

The Evolution from Dreaming of CTO to Becoming a CEO

For over three decades, my career goal was singular – to become a Chief Technology Officer.

Yet, fate had a different plan for me.

At REDtone, I was tasked with establishing a new IoT-focused subsidiary, which unexpectedly led me to my first role as a CEO.

Here, I learned the intricacies of dealing with government business, a challenging but enriching experience.

Stepping into the World of Entrepreneurship

After about two and a half years with REDtone, the entrepreneurial bug bit me.

I took the leap into starting my own business with some colleagues.

The journey at FAVORIOT and the stories there are for another day, but they mark a significant chapter in my life.

Lessons I’ve Learned on My Journey

  1. Embracing the Journey: Life’s path, though sometimes divergent from our dreams, is always a gift.
  2. Striving for Excellence: Every challenge is an opportunity to grow and excel.
  3. Education Beyond the Classroom: Real-world career experiences teach lessons no book can.
  4. Breaking Stereotypes: Transitioning from academia to the corporate world is possible.
  5. The Intersection of Tech and Business: A technical background can be a strong foundation for successful entrepreneurship.
  6. The Possibility of Becoming a CEO: The right opportunities can lead anyone to a CEO position.
  7. Turning Adversity into Opportunity: Every challenging moment has the potential to become a positive experience.
  8. Academics in the Corporate World: A background in academia can be valuable in private sector roles.
  9. Challenging Retirement Norms: There’s no predetermined time to retire or slow down.
  10. Making an Impact: We all have the ability to create significant changes in our industries or even globally.
  11. Valuing Diverse Experiences: Every unique career experience adds invaluable perspective.
  12. Lifelong Learning and Contribution: The journey of learning and giving back is endless.

This journey of mine underscores the unpredictable, yet fulfilling nature of a career path, where continuous learning, adaptation, and the reshaping of goals are part of the adventure.

From Lecture Halls to the Limelight of Public Speaking

My journey from an everyday lecturer to a celebrated keynote speaker is a tale that seems straight out of a movie.

The thrill of public speaking, a domain that challenges even the bravest, has been my playground.

Let me share with you my story of transformation and growing confidence, a narrative that’s both entertaining and inspiring.

The Unforgettable First Time
I clearly remember my first encounter with public speaking.

It’s an experience that’s etched in my memory, particularly the first time.

You might wonder, how did I transition from an academic lecturer to a master in the speaking arena?

Let’s delve into my captivating journey.

The Lecturer’s Leap
You might think that lecturing students every day would make public speaking easy for me.

But the truth is, addressing students and facing a diverse audience at an international conference are completely different experiences.

My journey to build rock-solid confidence involved overcoming a series of unique challenges.

Diverse Roles, Diverse Stages
My path to mastery was marked by diverse stages:

  1. University Lectures
  2. Technical Conferences (Domestic and International)
  3. Invited Talks (Global)
  4. Delivering Keynote Addresses
  5. Panel Moderator
  6. Panel Member (With and Without Scripts)
  7. YouTube Channel (MIMOS) – Videos 1 & 2
  8. TV Program – Gizmo Segment (Recorded)
  9. National Radio Shows
  10. TV Program – Selamat Pagi Malaysia (Live Broadcast)

Each role, from R&D Director at MIMOS facing management with project proposals and updates, to CEO of my startup, Favoriot, required a unique set of skills.

Pitching and presenting to customers, and being an invited speaker or moderator, all demanded not just knowledge but the ability to engage and persuade.

Conquering the Confidence Conundrum
My strategy for overcoming the fears of public speaking evolved alongside my career:

  1. Tailored PowerPoint slides for every audience
  2. Selecting topics that captivate
  3. Deep-diving into current affairs for content
  4. Regular practice to refine my delivery
  5. Engaging with every member of the audience
  6. Mind mapping to structure my thoughts
  7. Rigorous preparation well ahead of time
  8. Constantly updating my material
  9. Mingling with attendees to build rapport
  10. Weaving conference themes into my talks
  11. Storytelling to connect on a personal level
  12. Injecting humor to keep the mood light

Conclusion: Embracing My Mastery
Through my roles as a lecturer, R&D Director, CEO, and public speaker, I’ve learned that mastering public speaking is more than just conveying a message; it’s about creating a bond with your audience and leaving a lasting impact.

This journey has taught me that speaking is an art, a strategy, and a way to express your true self.

Remember my story as you step onto your stage.

Like me, you may find your unique path from the quiet of the lecture hall to the bright lights of the speaking world.