Category: Social Media

Letting Go: How I Outgrew Jailbreaking and Badminton

It’s funny how our interests and hobbies evolve over time. What once fueled our passion eventually fades, replaced by new priorities and pursuits. When I reflect on my own journey, two activities stand out—jailbreaking my iPhone and playing badminton. Both were integral parts of my life for years, but as time passed, I slowly outgrew them. Here’s how it happened.

The Early Days of Jailbreaking: Freedom at My Fingertips

When the iPhone first hit the market, it was revolutionary, but it came with limitations. The devices were locked to specific telcos, meaning if you bought an iPhone from overseas, it wouldn’t work with a local SIM card. I experienced this firsthand when I purchased my first iPhone from abroad.

Holding that sleek device in my hands, I felt excited and frustrated. I couldn’t use it with my local telco—unless I jailbroke it. That’s when my passion for jailbreaking began.

The Thrill of the Hack

I spent countless hours exploring forums, following guides, and experimenting with jailbreak tools. Each successful jailbreak was like a small victory. Suddenly, my iPhone was no longer constrained by Apple’s rules. I could install apps that weren’t available on the App Store, customize the interface, and unlock hidden features.

It wasn’t just about functionality—it was about freedom. Jailbreaking turned my iPhone into a personalized device that reflected my preferences, not Apple’s restrictions.

Creating “The Future is Here” Blog

As my interest grew, I wanted to share what I learned. That’s how my blog, The Future is Here, was born. It became a place where I documented everything—step-by-step guides on jailbreaking, tips for customizing iPhones, and recommendations for third-party apps.

What started as a small hobby quickly gained traction. My blog became a popular resource for people in the jailbreaking community. Comments and questions poured in:

“How do I unlock my iPhone 3G?”
“What’s the best jailbreak tool for iOS 4?”

I loved helping others. The excitement of solving problems and connecting with like-minded people fueled my passion even more.

The End of an Era

But like all good things, the jailbreaking craze eventually slowed down. Apple started releasing unlocked versions of the iPhone, and the App Store grew, offering a wide variety of apps that met most users’ needs. Jailbreaking was no longer necessary—or exciting.

My blog traffic dwindled as fewer people needed jailbreak solutions. I found myself losing interest. It felt bittersweet, but I knew it was time to move on. The blog that once consumed my time and energy quietly faded into the background.

My Love for Badminton

While jailbreaking was my intellectual passion, badminton was my physical outlet. It wasn’t just a sport—it was part of my identity. I loved the fast-paced rallies, the mental strategy, and the sheer thrill of smashing the shuttlecock across the court. Every week, I would hit the badminton court, pushing myself to improve and enjoying the camaraderie with friends.

The Signs of Change

For years, badminton kept me fit and competitive. But one day, something changed. I noticed my stamina wasn’t what it used to be. At first, I thought it was just a bad day. Maybe I didn’t sleep well last night, I told myself. But it happened again and again.

Then came the moment of realization—my grip started slipping. The racquet no longer felt secure in my hand. My shots lost power, and no amount of rest seemed to restore my strength.

Letting Go

It was hard to admit, but I had to face the truth. Maybe it’s time to let go.

Hanging up the racquet wasn’t easy. Badminton had been a big part of my life, and giving it up felt like losing a piece of myself. But over time, I realized it wasn’t about failure but evolution. My body told me to slow down, and I had to listen.

Lessons Learned

Looking back, both jailbreaking and badminton taught me invaluable lessons. Jailbreaking sparked my curiosity, pushed me to solve problems creatively, and introduced me to online communities and blogging. Badminton taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of staying active.

Even though these hobbies are no longer part of my life, the memories remain. They remind me of how life is constantly changing, how our interests shift, and how it’s okay to let go of what no longer serves us.

Embracing New Chapters

Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. It simply means making space for new passions and adventures. Jailbreaking and badminton will always be a part of my story, but they’ve paved the way for new pursuits.

Who knows what the next chapter will bring? The beauty of life lies in its unpredictability.

All we can do is keep evolving, learning, and remaining open to whatever comes next.

And that’s the real adventure, isn’t it?

ChatGPT, CoPilot, Gemini, Grok, Perplexity, Claude & DeepSeek: Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a breakdown of the main features to help you decide which AI tool suits your needs:

1️⃣ ChatGPT (OpenAI)

✅ Versatile and reliable: Perfect for writing tasks, explaining technical concepts, and generating or debugging code.

✅ Supports multiple languages: Works well even in non-English languages, including Malay.

✅ Developer-friendly: Offers a stable API, making it ideal for building applications with AI capabilities.

❌ Paid plans for heavy use: A subscription is required to unlock more advanced features or handle large-scale tasks.

2️⃣ Gemini (Google, formerly Bard)

✅ Live search integration: It’s directly connected to Google Search, making it great for delivering the most up-to-date information.

✅ Fact-focused: Excels at answering general knowledge questions and providing factual details.

❌ Context sensitivity can be inconsistent: Sometimes, struggles to grasp complex or nuanced questions fully.

3️⃣ CoPilot (Microsoft, powered by GPT-4 Turbo)

✅ Productivity-focused: Fully integrated with Microsoft Office tools like Word and Excel, making it a powerful assistant for work-related tasks.

✅ Seamless Windows integration: An excellent choice for Windows users who need AI within their workflow.

❌ Access requirements: You’ll need a Microsoft account; in some cases, access may be restricted to specific users or organisations.

4️⃣ Grok (X, by Elon Musk)

✅ Social media-savvy: Specially designed for users of X (formerly Twitter), offering features to analyse and follow social media trends.

✅ Trend-aware: Focuses on staying current with the latest online conversations.

❌ Still evolving: As a relatively new tool, it lacks the maturity and extensive testing of more established platforms.

5️⃣ DeepSeek AI

✅ Specialist in technical fields: Excellent for research, coding, and solving complex mathematical problems.

✅ Completely free: A budget-friendly option for students, researchers, or anyone exploring technical AI applications.

❌ Limited advanced features: Compared to tools like ChatGPT or Gemini, it doesn’t offer comprehensive capabilities or integrations yet.

6️⃣ Perplexity AI

✅ Great for fact-checking: It can reference the internet in real-time, making it highly effective for quick research or verifying information.

✅ Focused research tool: Handy for researching specific topics and finding credible sources.

❌ Can lack deeper understanding: Tends to compile data rather than analyse or interpret it meaningfully.

7️⃣ Claude (Anthropic)

✅ Contextually intelligent: Known for its ability to generate high-quality text and clearly understand the context in conversations.

✅ Safe and ethical: Less prone to producing harmful, biased, or inaccurate content, making it a reliable option.

❌ Less recognition locally: Not as widely known or used in Malaysia, though its features are robust and competitive.

How to Choose the Right AI for Your Needs

  •  For writing, coding, or creative projects, → Go for ChatGPT or Claude for their depth and versatility.
  •  If you need real-time information or up-to-date research, → Consider Gemini or Perplexity.
  •  To boost productivity at work with office tools, → Use CoPilot, which works seamlessly with Microsoft applications.
  •  Social media enthusiasts → Try Grok, designed to help navigate trends on X (Twitter).
  •  For technical problem-solving or coding on a budget, → Choose DeepSeek AI.

Each tool has unique strengths, so the choice depends on your specific use case and preferences.

Top AI Tools for 2025: Boosting Efficiency Across Various Domains

AI tools have become essential to personal and professional workflows, helping automate tasks, enhance creativity, and improve productivity. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most valuable AI tools for 2025 across different categories and why they matter:

[Credit to Pradeep]

1. YouTube Tools

Tools like Steve AI, TubeBuddy, and Eighthify assist content creators with video editing, optimisation, and analytics. These are crucial for streamlining content production and boosting audience engagement on YouTube.

2. Sales Tools

Platforms such as Lavendar, Twain, and Simplified make sales outreach more personalised and efficient. They provide insights and automation to close deals faster and enhance customer relationships.

3. Productivity Tools

Apps like Bardeen AI, ChartGPT, and Scholarly help manage tasks, conduct research, and increase overall efficiency. These tools are essential for individuals juggling multiple responsibilities.

4. Music Tools

AI tools like Amper, Jukedeck, and Boomy enable music creation and editing, making them valuable for artists, content creators, and marketers looking for custom soundtracks.

5. Writing Tools

Jasper AI, Writesonic, and Quillbot simplify content creation with grammar corrections, paraphrasing, and idea generation, making them indispensable for writers and bloggers.

6. Coding Tools

Platforms such as GitHub Copilot, Deepcode, and Replit help developers write and debug code efficiently. These tools save time and improve code quality for software engineers.

7. Chatbot Tools

Tools like Cohere, Yatterplus, and GPTBuddy enable businesses to create intelligent chatbots for improved customer service and engagement.

8. Daily Life Tools

Apps like Notion AI and Taskade simplify task management and daily organisation, helping individuals stay on top of their schedules and projects.

9. Content Creation Tools

Tools like Tome AI and Beautiful AI aid in creating visually appealing presentations and multimedia content, which is crucial for marketing and storytelling.

10. Twitter Tools

Platforms such as Postwise, Tweet Hunter, and TribeScaler are designed to optimise Twitter engagement, making them perfect for influencers and marketers.

11. Image Tools

Tools like StockIMG, MidJourney, and Microsoft Designer offer quick and creative solutions for generating and editing images, perfect for designers and marketers.

12. Chrome Extensions

Extensions, like Compose AI, Voila AI, and FinalScout, add functionalities like email drafting and lead generation, directly improving browser productivity.

Why These Tools Matter

AI tools transform our work by automating repetitive tasks, offering creative assistance, and optimising productivity. Whether you’re a content creator, developer, or entrepreneur, integrating these tools into your workflow can save time, enhance quality, and give you a competitive edge.

These tools showcase how AI continues to bridge the gap between manual effort and technological innovation, making 2025 a promising year for leveraging AI-driven solutions.

Building the Favoriot Brand: My Journey Through Alternative Media Channels

Starting a small startup like Favoriot comes with its own set of challenges, one of the biggest being visibility. When traditional media channels like TV and radio are often too costly or selective, it’s time to get creative. Here’s my personal account of how we used alternative mediums, primarily social media channels, to build and promote the Favoriot brand.

The Dilemma: Traditional Media vs. Budget Constraints

Getting featured on mainstream media is a dream for many startups, but the reality is harsh. Either you’re compelling enough to get picked up organically, or you pay a premium to make it happen. For a small startup, both options are challenging. This is why we turned to the more budget-friendly and engaging world of social media for our marketing needs.

Our Alternative Media Arsenal

We realized that for every traditional media channel that seemed out of reach, there was an alternative platform online that could be just as effective:

  • Podcasts Instead of Radio: We started our own podcast series, sharing industry insights, interviewing experts, and discussing our journey. It’s a fantastic way to create a more personal connection with our audience.
  • YouTube Instead of TV: We launched a YouTube channel, using it as a platform to showcase product demos, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes footage of life at Favoriot.
  • Digital Posters: We replaced expensive billboards with visually striking digital posters on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.
  • Blogs Instead of Newspapers: Our blog serves as a hub for sharing valuable content, from how-to guides to industry trends, keeping our audience informed and engaged.

Zeroing In: Focusing on High-Impact Channels

We started by casting a wide net across various platforms, but soon noticed that some channels yielded better results in terms of engagement and followers. After some analysis, we narrowed our focus to TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. These platforms provided the right audience and the engagement metrics we were looking for.

More Than Just Sales: Building Trust and Brand Recognition

Our goal was not just to drive sales, but to create a brand that people could know and trust. We are continuously sharing updates, celebrating milestones, and telling stories that resonate with our audience. Whether they make a purchase now or later is secondary; we want Favoriot to be a brand that people remember and recommend.

Lessons Learned

  • Be Adaptable: Not all channels will work for you. Don’t hesitate to pivot when needed.
  • Content is King: Good quality content can make a significant difference in engagement.
  • Consistency is Key: Keeping a consistent posting schedule helps keep the brand fresh in the minds of the public.

Conclusion

Building the Favoriot brand using alternative media channels has been an enlightening journey. It has taught us that you don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. By using the resources available to us wisely and focusing on building a strong, trustworthy brand, we’ve succeeded in carving out our own space in the market. And this is just the beginning.

Building My Personal Brand: The Stepping Stone to Favoriot’s Success

Every brand has a story, but my journey is slightly unconventional. My personal brand’s inception wasn’t with the intent to sell or pitch, but to share and enlighten. This chronicle started way back in 2014, long before Favoriot was even a twinkle in my eye.

Laying the Foundation: The IoT Advocate

In 2014, the Internet of Things (IoT) was a term only the tech-savvy were familiar with. Driven by a deep-seated passion for technology and its potential, I ventured into the world of social media to voice my insights. Platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn became my playground where I shared my musings on IoT and its implications for smart cities.

This dedication did not go unnoticed. Invitations started pouring in, asking me to lend my voice to discussions, seminars, and workshops centered around IoT and smart city solutions. I was relishing my role as an IoT thought leader.

Transitioning to Favoriot: The Underdog Story

Then came Favoriot – a startup, our brainchild. In its nascent stages, while my personal brand thrived, Favoriot was still finding its footing. However, I had an ace up my sleeve – the trust and recognition I had garnered over the years.

With each speaking engagement and social media post, I started weaving in Favoriot’s mission and vision. I introduced my audience to the solutions and innovations Favoriot was bringing to the IoT landscape.

The Ripple Effect: Personal Brand to Business Boom

The beauty of personal branding is the ripple effect it can create. The trust, recognition, and respect I had cultivated with my personal brand began reflecting onto Favoriot. Slowly but surely, as my narrative shifted, the perception of Favoriot started changing. From an underdog startup, it began its transformation into an IoT powerhouse in Malaysia.

Today, when someone in Malaysia hears “IoT”, Favoriot isn’t far behind in the conversation. That business card with “Favoriot” emblazoned on it? It’s not just a company name; it’s a testament to the symbiotic relationship between personal and business branding.

In Retrospect: Branding is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Building a brand, be it personal or business, isn’t an overnight endeavor. It’s a marathon of persistence, adaptability, and genuine passion. I look back at my journey with immense gratitude. The initial years of dedication to my personal brand laid a robust foundation for Favoriot’s success.

For every budding entrepreneur, remember: Your personal brand can be the strongest advocate for your business. Nurture it, leverage it, and watch the magic unfold.

Diving Deep into the Vortex of Social Media Content Creation: A Journey of Timeless Engagement

Which activities make you lose track of time?

As the sun stretches its rays over the horizon and a new day dawns, I embark on my daily journey of content creation. This is a vibrant and multifaceted dance, involving a whirlwind of activities across a multitude of platforms. From Facebook to LinkedIn, Twitter to TikTok, YouTube, and now even Threads, my digital footprint extends far and wide.

Creating content on these social media platforms isn’t just about reading or casually browsing; it’s an immersive task that draws me in, often making me lose track of time. Every platform has its unique essence and audience, and engaging each requires a nuanced approach and a great deal of time and dedication.

Video content creation, for example, is a whole new world in itself. It’s not simply filming a few seconds of footage and uploading it; it’s about meticulous storyboarding, thoughtful editing, adding effects, and more. The process demands creativity, attention to detail, and time – lots of it. Platforms like Midjourney come in handy for video editing, making this formidable task slightly more manageable.

Next up is graphic design. Whether it’s crafting eye-catching images or designing striking posters, the pursuit of the perfect visual to complement my content can be an absorbing one. Tools like Canva serve as reliable allies in this endeavour, providing me with an array of design possibilities at my fingertips.

While the morning hours are dedicated to content creation, the later part of the day is for distribution and publishing. Strategically timed to maximize engagement, each post is dispatched to its respective platform, set out into the digital ocean to find its audience.

Parallel to this, I also manage two active blogs. This isn’t simply about crafting compelling blog posts; it also involves vigilantly monitoring blog statistics. Every other hour, I find myself checking the stats, keenly observing which articles are making an impact and which ones need improvement.

In the fast-paced world of social media, being a content creator is a role that demands more than just creativity. It’s about managing time, juggling multiple tasks, and constantly learning and evolving. It’s a vortex that draws you in, a world where the tick-tock of the clock becomes just background noise. And even though it may seem overwhelming at times, the thrill of creating, connecting, and engaging makes every moment worth it.

As the sun sets, I look back at the day, tired but fulfilled. I’ve navigated the endless sea of social media, put forth my voice in the digital cacophony, and made my mark, one post at a time. And as I prepare for another day, I know that the world of content creation will continue to be an enthralling journey where time is merely a concept, easily forgotten in the vibrant hustle of creating and sharing.

Read – The Ultimate Startup Cheat Sheet.

Twitter and many other social media channels

How I Build a Blog Article That Gave Me 10 Times Traffic Views

After almost two years of blogging on Mazlan Abbas Blog, I have found myself reflecting on the incredible journey we have been through together. It has been filled with ups, downs, lessons, and ultimately, success. The blog focuses on a myriad of topics such as entrepreneurship, thought leadership, startup adventures, and the ever-evolving world of social media.

The blogging journey began modestly. My aim was to contribute valuable content that would inspire and guide others on their entrepreneurial path. Every post was a labor of love, combining my personal experiences with knowledge gleaned from years of working in the startup sector.

Despite the hurdles, there was always a steady increase in views and reader engagement. This gave me the motivation to keep exploring and documenting my entrepreneurial journey, thought leadership, and startup growth strategies.

However, nothing could have prepared me for what happened in April 2023.

The turning point came in the form of a post titled “The Ultimate ChatGPT Cheat Sheets“. It was an effort to simplify the use of this artificial intelligence model for others who might find it intimidating or complex. The post provided easy-to-understand cheat sheets, creating a bridge between users and this AI language model.

Suddenly, the post went viral. The response was overwhelming. Readers from around the globe began flocking to the blog to consume this content. It felt like we had hit a gold mine of engagement and interest. The views on this post alone accounted for a whopping 50% of the total views on the blog, catapulting our monthly traffic tenfold in just three months.

As we dissected this sudden growth, we realized that the major chunk of our traffic came from Google search. The ‘The Ultimate ChatGPT Cheat Sheet‘ post was ranking high on search results, attracting a vast audience that we had not tapped into before. It seems Google had recognized the value our post provided and deemed it worthy of a higher rank, thus driving a significant amount of organic traffic to the blog.

In hindsight, the formula for this success was a combination of valuable, easy-to-understand content that met a need, and the mysterious workings of search engine algorithms that chose to favor our offering.

This experience has not only shaped my blogging journey but also shed light on the unpredictable nature of digital content. It has taught me that sometimes, all it takes is one viral post to propel a blog into the limelight.

As I continue to contribute to Mazlan Abbas Blog, I will remember this extraordinary phase, keeping in mind the power of valuable content and the influence of search engine rankings. It will serve as a testament to our potential and a benchmark for our future endeavors. Here’s to many more viral posts and an ever-growing readership!

My Journey to Building an Engaged TikTok Following Through IoT Education

When I embarked on my journey to create an educational TikTok channel focusing on the Internet of Things (IoT), I was brimming with optimism. I envisioned myself as a digital pioneer, breaking down the complexities of IoT into bite-sized nuggets of wisdom for my audience. I was determined to explain the basics of IoT, elaborate on its benefits, and illuminate its numerous applications. The results, however, were humbling. My likes and followers grew at a sluggish pace, making me question if I was on the right track.

I pondered my approach and decided to pivot. Instead of merely disseminating information about IoT, I shifted my focus to address the current issues and challenges faced by IoT developers. By addressing the struggles and pain points in the field, I hoped to add an extra layer of relevance and engagement to my content.

The shift in approach paid off! I noticed a gradual increase in likes, comments, and shares. But the most gratifying change was the deeper level of engagement. My followers began to pose thought-provoking questions, sparking robust discussions on my channel. By answering these questions, I was not just fostering an active learning environment, but also cementing my place as a go-to resource for IoT-related knowledge.

I discovered my content had struck a chord with an audience I hadn’t initially anticipated. Youngsters and university students started to flock to my channel, seeking knowledge and guidance on IoT. It turns out that educational, or “edutainment,” content was the magic formula that resonated with this demographic.

The transformation of my TikTok channel has been a revelation. I now see that my platform is not just about sharing what I know, but also about creating a community where knowledge exchange happens. With this newfound understanding, I am committed to continuing my edutainment-focused content to serve and enrich the community.

This journey has taught me that engaging followers isn’t just about doling out information, but about addressing their concerns, answering their questions, and creating content that is relevant and relatable. As I look forward to the growth of my TikTok channel, I remain rooted in these valuable lessons that have shaped my journey so far.

My Journey With 6 Social Media Channels

Social media has transformed into a bustling digital market square, where brands and individuals converge to exchange ideas, share experiences, and cultivate communities.

My journey through this dynamic landscape, interacting with diverse audiences, has provided fascinating insights into different platforms’ engagement metrics. Here, I’ll share a snapshot of my journey.

Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn: The Power Trio

The highest engagement in my social media portfolio comes from a diverse trio: Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

Facebook remains a sturdy pillar in my social media strategy. With its vast demographic reach, I’ve been able to engage with a broad audience, generating conversations that truly resonate. The in-built interactive features make it a conducive environment for generating likes, shares, and comments, fostering a strong sense of community.

TikTok, the newcomer in the digital arena, has proven incredibly powerful for engagement. The platform’s video-centric nature and algorithm have worked favorably, pushing my content to a broader audience. The high-energy, viral nature of TikTok has made it a fantastic platform to engage with younger demographics, fostering dynamic interactions.

LinkedIn, traditionally seen as a professional networking site, has surprisingly driven substantial engagement. By focusing on industry-related content and thought leadership, I’ve created meaningful interactions, drawing in professionals looking for expert insights and industry trends.

Twitter, Threads, and Instagram: The Underperformers

On the other end of the spectrum, Twitter, Threads, and Instagram have shown comparatively lower engagement rates.

Despite its real-time communication potential, Twitter engagement has been challenging. The fast-paced nature of the platform might be a factor, with tweets often getting lost in the feed’s rapid flow. The character limit can also restrict deeper conversations.

Threads, while providing a unique space for threaded conversations, hasn’t quite hit the mark for engagement. The platform is perhaps still gaining traction, making audience reach and engagement more limited.

Instagram, with its visually-driven interface, surprisingly falls into the lower engagement category. Despite posting visually appealing content, the platform’s recent algorithm changes seem to have affected reach and engagement negatively.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the social media landscape is a continuous learning journey. These engagement insights provide valuable guidance on where to focus efforts and how to adjust strategies for maximum impact. The goal is to continually experiment, learn, and adapt to the ever-evolving dynamics of each platform. As the journey continues, I remain committed to offering valuable content across all platforms, fostering genuine connections and community building in the digital world.

Top 50 B2B Thought Leaders & Influencers You Should Work With In 2023 (APAC)

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List of the latest “Top 50 B2B Thought Leaders & Influencers You Should Work With In 2023 (APAC)“