Category: Thought Leadership

The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 2: Turning Failures into Milestones

The Journey Before Favoriot

If you’ve been following my journey, you already know that the Favoriot IoT Platform wasn’t our first attempt in the IoT world. Before we arrived at this point, my team and I worked tirelessly on two earlier products: Raqib and Favorsense. Despite our best intentions and efforts, neither venture has gained traction in the market.

The Launch of Raqib

I still vividly remember the day we launched Raqib. I looked at my team and said, “This is going to be a game-changer!” The enthusiasm in the room was electric. But reality had its own plans. We faced unexpected technical challenges, and our marketing efforts fell short. It was a tough pill to swallow, but we kept pushing forward.

Lessons from Favorsense

Then came Favorsense, a product built on a promising idea. This time, I thought, “Surely, we’ve learned from our mistakes.” And while the concept was strong, it struggled to capture user interest. I’d often sit at my desk late at night, reflecting on what went wrong. “Where did we falter? What could we have done differently?” I asked myself over and over again. Two products, two failures—it was a sobering experience.

A Silver Lining

But even amidst these setbacks, there was a silver lining. One element stood firm throughout the ups and downs: the Favoriot IoT Platform. I began to realize its potential. “This could be a tool for anyone wanting to build their own IoT solutions,” I told my team. With renewed determination, we made a bold decision—to pivot. We offered the Favoriot IoT Platform for free, hoping this move would attract a broader audience.

The Challenges of Adoption

However, even that wasn’t the end of our challenges. Offering the platform at no cost didn’t automatically translate into widespread adoption. I often asked, “Why aren’t people using it?” Despite creating tutorials and sharing resources, the uptake remained slow. It was frustrating and disheartening.

Bridging the Gap

But giving up wasn’t an option. I knew we had to dig deeper to address the gap. “We need to guide them more effectively,” I told my team. That’s when the idea of offering IoT courses took shape. These courses weren’t just about teaching theory; they were designed to provide hands-on experience with the Favoriot IoT Platform.

A Breakthrough in Education

And it worked. Today, over 16 universities and polytechnics in Malaysia use the Favoriot IoT Platform for their students’ final-year projects. I still remember the pride I felt when we hit that milestone. “This is a significant achievement for us,” I said to my team, filled with gratitude. Seeing students learning about IoT and applying it to real-world projects has been incredibly fulfilling.

Inspiring the Next Generation

I’m blown away by the students’ creativity whenever I visit these universities. I’ll ask them, “How are you integrating Favoriot into your project?” Their passion and excitement remind me why we started this journey in the first place. These moments make all the struggles worth it.

Expanding Beyond Malaysia

Looking ahead, our vision is to take the Favoriot IoT Platform beyond Malaysia. “The global stage is where we’re heading next,” I shared with my team. We’re already in talks with international institutions, and I’m hopeful that students worldwide will soon have access to our platform.

Innovating for the Future

Of course, the path forward won’t be without its challenges. I often ask myself, “How can we continue to innovate and improve?” In the fast-paced world of technology, standing still is not an option. Every evening, as I reflect on the day’s work, I remind myself, “We’ve come this far because of the lessons we learned from failure.”

Turning Failure into Success

Those early failures with Raqib and Favorsense weren’t the end of our story—they were the beginning of something greater. The Favoriot IoT Platform has become the cornerstone of IoT education in Malaysia, and it’s all thanks to the unwavering dedication of my team. I always make it a point to say, “Thank you,” because this success is as much theirs as it is mine.

The Journey Ahead

This journey is far from over. “This is just the beginning,” I tell my team. We’ll keep pushing boundaries, overcoming challenges, and reaching new heights together. Our story proves that failure isn’t the end—it’s an opportunity to rise stronger.

The Favoriot IoT Platform stands as a testament to perseverance and the belief that with hard work, even the most challenging setbacks can lead to incredible success.

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My Startup Journey

The Story Behind Favoriot – Part I: The Humble Beginnings of Favoriot

When I look back to 2017, I vividly recall the early days of building the Favoriot IoT Platform. We started small, working in a modest room with only a few dedicated staff members. It was a humble beginning, but our vision was anything but small.

The Idea Behind the Platform

The idea for the platform arose from a simple but pressing need—to support our first IoT product, Raqib. At the time, we realised there was a significant gap in the market for an IoT platform that could cater to businesses and developers in a user-friendly and accessible way. But as the idea began to take shape, doubts crept in.

“Can we really compete with giants like AWS and Azure?” I often asked myself. The thought was daunting. Competing against well-established platforms felt like an insurmountable challenge. We knew that many people didn’t know who we were, and there were plenty who doubted the capabilities of a small team attempting something so ambitious. But despite the naysayers, we pressed on. Deep down, we were confident in our technology’s potential and our ability to deliver something meaningful.

A Bold Move: Offering the Platform for Free

By 2019, we decided to take a bold step—offering the Favoriot IoT Platform to the public for free. “Maybe this will be the best way to attract attention and build an early user base,” I thought. It seemed like a logical approach. But the reality didn’t match our expectations. The response was underwhelming, to say the least. Only a handful of people showed interest, and our efforts didn’t yield the results we hoped for.

Finding a New Strategy: Education

Sitting down with the team, I voiced my concerns. “We need to do more. This isn’t enough. We must find a better way to introduce our platform.” The team brainstormed tirelessly, and that’s when the idea of offering IoT courses emerged. It was a lightbulb moment. We realised that one of the best ways to attract users was through education—teaching people about IoT while simultaneously showcasing the capabilities of our platform.

“But what if no one registers for the courses?” The doubt lingered. Investing time and resources into something that might not succeed was nerve-wracking. Still, we decided to take the plunge. We structured the courses so that participants could learn the fundamentals of IoT and get hands-on experience with the Favoriot IoT Platform.

Success Through IoT Education

Alhamdulillah, the effort paid off. The response to the courses was beyond encouraging. Participants appreciated the knowledge they gained and began to explore our platform in more significant numbers. It was a turning point for us. From those early courses, word began to spread, and the Favoriot IoT Platform started gaining traction. The numbers grew steadily; today, I’m proud to say that we have over 9,343 users from 111 countries. Seeing the global reach of something we built from scratch fills me with immense pride.

“I can’t believe we’ve come this far,” I shared with the team during our discussions. “But this is just the beginning. We still have so much more to achieve.”

Expanding to New Horizons

With the foundation now solid, we set our sights on the future. Our next goal is to expand our presence to neighbouring countries. The team and I are confident that the Favoriot IoT Platform can achieve even greater success beyond Malaysia. This journey has taught us that with effort and dedication, even the boldest dreams are within reach.

“Ready for the next phase?” I asked the team one day, knowing full well that the challenges ahead would be just as demanding as the ones we’ve overcome. Their answer was clear and resolute. We are ready to take on the IoT world.

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back, I see how every step we took was filled with challenges and uncertainties, but it was also marked by resilience and an unrelenting drive to succeed. No matter how small, each decision was crucial in shaping where we are today. The journey has been extraordinary, from a tiny room with a handful of staff to a global platform with thousands of users.

A Glimpse of What’s Next

This is only part of the story behind the development of the Favoriot IoT Platform. There’s much more to share—the challenges we faced, the lessons we learned, and the milestones we celebrated. Stay tuned for Part II, where I’ll delve deeper into the obstacles we’ve encountered and how we’ve navigated them to reach where we are now.

This journey is a testament to what can be achieved with a clear vision, unwavering determination, and a great team by your side. I hope our story inspires others to pursue their big or small dreams. After all, every outstanding achievement starts with a single step and the willingness to take it.

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My Startup Journey

Reluctant Speaker: From Reclusiveness to Renown

I never imagined myself standing as a speaker at national and international seminars or conferences.

Being naturally introverted and not bold in public speaking, I preferred solitude.

However, my career as a Lecturer demanded a significant shift from this reclusive nature.

The profession of teaching inherently involves speaking out, yet teaching students differs vastly from addressing an assembly of professionals and scholars.

A Turning Point in 1987
The year 1987 marked a crucial turning point for me. Following my Master’s degree in 1986, I developed a deep interest in ISDN technology, humorously referred to as “I Still Don’t kNow,” but actually standing for Integrated Services Digital Network.

This emerging technology aimed to transition from analog to digital, especially in internet applications, boasting speeds up to 64 kb/s.

My engagement with ISDN became the gateway to my foray into public seminars.

Milestone Presentations
My public speaking journey took a significant leap on August 17, 1987, when I presented at MNCC’87 in Kuala Lumpur.

My paper was titled “ISDN – The Needs for a Transition in Malaysian Telecommunications Network.”

This was followed by another key presentation on October 12, 1987, titled “ISDN – Prospects and Challenges for Malaysia” at the National Conference on Networking and Data Communications in National Development, held at PWTC, Kuala Lumpur.

Overcoming Nervousness
Facing nearly a thousand attendees at the PWTC hall was a daunting experience.

Despite the air conditioning, I felt overwhelmed by nerves, barely noticing the physical discomfort.

As a UTM Lecturer discussing a highly pertinent topic in telecommunications, all attention was on me.

The initial moments of my speech were the most challenging, as I felt engulfed in nervousness, almost oblivious to my audience.

Reflection and Persistence
Despite receiving some positive feedback, those presentations remain the most nerve-wracking experiences of my life.

Years have passed, filled with numerous other presentations, yet the underlying anxiety persists.

The strategies I’ve developed to cope with this nervousness, though, are stories for another time.

Setting Sail Toward Growth: Increasing Readership & Monetizing My Medium Blog

Embarking on a Growth Adventure:

Amidst the quiet and vast digital landscape of blogging in Medium, my little corner has gradually seen a modest increase in readers – a total of six over the last year to be precise. This incremental growth, albeit small, serves as a wake-up call, prompting me to take decisive action. On September 25, 2023, I resolved to turn this faint whisper of growth into a powerful and engaging symphony, a lively exchange of ideas aimed at significantly expanding my readership.

Diving Deep with Premium:

In pursuit of this vibrant transformation, I’ve boldly stepped into the realm of premium membership on Medium. This move isn’t merely a financial investment or commitment. It embodies a deeper mission – an earnest endeavor not just to expand but to flourish, disseminate valuable insights, and foster meaningful connections. Through this enhanced platform, I intend to bring forth a captivating array of stories and fresh articles, each crafted meticulously to initiate not just one-sided communication but an interactive dialogue with you, the reader.

Embarking on a New Journey:

This new beginning is already showing signs of promise, with four readers recently hopping on board to accompany me on this exhilarating expedition of words and wisdom. Each new reader isn’t just a tick on the statistics board; they’re valued partners, contributing significantly to this collective adventure of discovery and learning.

A Different Narrative:

While the internet is flooded with tales of quick follower gains and successful monetization strategies, my writing seeks to explore a different kind of story. My approach isn’t derived from a lack of expertise in attracting followers but stems from a desire to share deeper, more personal narratives and experiences.

Entrepreneurship Chronicles:

My blog is set to unravel the intricate tapestry of my seven-year entrepreneurship journey, with each post shedding light on the triumphs celebrated and challenges encountered along the way. Like any entrepreneur, my journey has been a thrilling rollercoaster of ups and downs, filled with valuable lessons, minor and major victories, and unavoidable setbacks.

Insights on Entrepreneurial Life:

As we venture together through the tumultuous yet exciting landscape of entrepreneurship, my articles aspire to serve as guiding beacons of insight, offering reflections on the multifaceted, dynamic life of an entrepreneur – a life characterized by continuous cycles of founding, failing, learning, and succeeding.

Join Me on This Journey:

Here’s my heartfelt invitation to you: Stay engaged and walk alongside me through both archived and freshly minted tales detailing an entrepreneur’s journey. With a new story unraveling daily, your readership, participation, and company will be greatly appreciated and treasured.

Your involvement in this journey is not just reflected in reader statistics; it represents a valuable partnership, crucial to the odyssey we’re about to undertake together, exploring untold stories and navigating uncharted territories in the world of entrepreneurship. Let’s see where this exciting journey leads us, shall we? Let’s explore together!

Brand Synergy: Favoriot’s Journey with MDEC at Smart Nation Expo 2023

In an increasingly digital world, there’s a prevailing sentiment that virtual channels are the primary avenues to connect with potential customers. True, platforms like social media have revolutionized outreach, but one must never overlook the age-old method of face-to-face interaction at trade expos and exhibitions. For Favoriot, this couldn’t ring more true. Here’s why.

1. A Personal Touch

No matter how advanced technology gets, nothing can replicate the personal touch of direct interaction. Speaking to someone in person offers a depth of connection and trust that’s hard to achieve online. It allows for spontaneous questions, real-time demonstrations, and genuine reactions.

2. Thought Leadership Beyond Seminars

Being invited as a speaker or panelist at conferences is an honor. It positions one as a thought leader, amplifying the company’s voice and brand in the industry. Yet, the confines of a seminar room have their limitations. The exhibition floor, bustling with activity, offers a more direct and organic way to engage and influence a broader audience.

3. Live Demonstrations

There’s a saying, “seeing is believing.” Having a booth at an expo allows companies like Favoriot to showcase their products live, allowing attendees to witness the tangible benefits. A live demonstration not only grabs attention but often becomes the convincing factor for potential customers.

4. Quality Interactions

The concentrated nature of a 3-day expo ensures a wealth of potential clients in one place. The environment fosters seriousness, with visitors genuinely seeking solutions and partners. Every conversation at the booth is a potential lead.

5. The MDEC Advantage

Our recent participation at the recent Smart Nation Expo 2023 (19-21 Sept 2023), under the banner of MDEC Pavilion, was a testament to the power of brand collaboration. MDEC’s renowned brand became a magnet, drawing attendees and providing Favoriot with a prime opportunity to shine.

6. Post-Event Momentum

An expo doesn’t end when the booths are packed away. The real work begins afterward with the follow-up. Every person that expressed interest, every business card exchanged, becomes a potential client, partner, or project collaborator.

In conclusion, while the digital realm provides a vast ocean of opportunities, trade expos offer a concentrated pool of potential. For Favoriot, they have proved invaluable, and our recent success at Smart Nation Expo 2023 is just a glimpse of the potential such events hold. We’ll continue to harness the power of face-to-face interactions, reaching out and connecting in the most personal way possible.

The Power of Public Speaking: From Thought Leadership to Business Opportunities

In the bustling landscape of startups, public speaking is often perceived as just another marketing strategy. However, my journey with my startup, Favoriot, taught me that it’s much more than that. Here’s how public speaking not only established me as a thought leader in IoT, Smart Cities, and IR 4.0 but also subtly paved the way for business opportunities.

The Early Days: Building a Personal Brand

When I started out, I was often invited to share my knowledge on various tech topics. And I did, wholeheartedly. These engagements were purely knowledge-based, leaving out any mention of Favoriot. This approach was intentional, aiming to build trust and credibility without appearing overly promotional. Over time, these efforts earned me a reputation as an IoT thought leader. But while this title brought recognition and esteem, it failed to translate into tangible business leads for Favoriot.

The Pivot: Injecting Favoriot into the Narrative

I soon realized that while being recognized as an expert is rewarding, it wasn’t fulfilling my ultimate goal – to get Favoriot known in the industry. I needed a new strategy.

Instead of keeping my talks strictly academic, I began to subtly incorporate elements of Favoriot’s products and services. I showcased real-world examples of how IoT platforms, especially like ours, can build effective IoT solutions. A couple of slides bearing the Favoriot product logo turned out to be enough to sow the seeds of brand awareness.

The Impact: From Awareness to Business

Gradually, the narrative began to shift. The moment of epiphany would often come during networking sessions or casual interactions when someone would say, “Oh, you’re from Favoriot? We’ve heard of you.” That statement epitomized the change.

While turning awareness into paying customers wasn’t instantaneous, it certainly laid the groundwork. Over time, some of those who had a mere awareness of Favoriot became interested parties, and eventually, paying customers.

Conclusion: A Strategy Worth Investing In

Public speaking is a long game, especially when it’s used as a business promotion tool. However, its effects can be long-lasting and profound. By transitioning from pure knowledge-sharing to subtle brand promotion, I found a sweet spot that not only solidified my position as a thought leader but also carved out a niche for Favoriot in a crowded market.

So, to all startup enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, remember: Public speaking is not just about sharing what you know; it’s also about weaving in who you are and what you offer. That blend can be a game-changer.

10 Inspirational Life Quotes of Mazlan Abbas

Based on Dr. Mazlan’s biography, here are 10 inspirational life quotes that might resonate with his journey:

  1. “Success is the intersection of preparation and opportunity; I’ve lived at that crossroad.”
  2. “From the lecture halls of academia to the dynamic world of IoT, every step was a lesson waiting to be learned.”
  3. “When you’re passionate about innovation, every disruption becomes an opportunity.”
  4. “Teaching is the best way to learn; I’ve been both a student and a guide throughout my journey.”
  5. “A true leader not only creates a vision but inspires others to embrace it.”
  6. “In the rapidly evolving world of technology, remaining a student is the key to becoming a master.”
  7. “Your qualifications open doors, but it’s your passion and persistence that build empires.”
  8. “Every title I’ve held was a chapter; together, they tell the story of a relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation.”
  9. “Be the change in the industry you want to see, and soon you’ll find yourself leading the way.”
  10. “From a spark of curiosity to illuminating the world with ideas – such is the journey of a lifelong learner.”

These quotes reflect Dr. Mazlan’s dedication to education, leadership, innovation, and his impact on the world of IoT and telecommunications.

Why ‘Picking My Brain’ Isn’t Free Anymore: A Business Perspective

Back in the day, the question “Can I pick your brain?” was music to my ears. As someone eager to impart knowledge and share experiences, I always took these requests as compliments. I believed it was a testament to the value others saw in my insights.

The Early Days: Open Arms and Open Doors

In the beginning, I was a beacon of assistance. Why? Primarily, I had the luxury of time. I could afford to spare an hour or two to discuss ideas, provide feedback, or simply share my perspective on things. It was immensely gratifying, knowing that people saw me as a source of valuable information. Moreover, I genuinely enjoyed sharing. After all, isn’t knowledge most valuable when it’s shared?

The Middle Phase: The Emergence of Doubt

However, as time went on and my calendar started to bulge at the seams, a new sentiment started to creep in. Each “Can I pick your brain?” began to feel less like an innocent request and more like an intrusion into my already packed schedule. The intention behind the question also began to blur. Was it truly about seeking knowledge, or was there an underlying motive? Was I inadvertently feeding potential competitors? Were these sessions providing equal value to my business, or was I merely acting as a free consultancy service?

The Reality Check: Quantifying the ROI

After countless coffee dates, luncheons, and brainstorming sessions, I took a moment to reflect. How many of these interactions led to tangible opportunities for my company? Unfortunately, the answer was: very few. It seemed that the balance of value had tipped. While I was pouring out insights, expertise, and time, there wasn’t much trickling back in.

The Present: A More Guarded Approach

Nowadays, my approach to these requests has matured. My time, just like anyone’s, is finite and valuable. I’ve become more discerning. It’s not about being unapproachable or stingy with knowledge. Instead, it’s about ensuring that any interaction is mutually beneficial. The objective isn’t to shut doors but to ensure that both parties walk away feeling enriched.

To those who genuinely seek knowledge and collaboration, my door remains open. However, the days of one-sided “brain-picking” are firmly in the rearview mirror. The ultimate lesson? Time is a resource, and like any resource, it needs to be managed wisely. As much as I love to help, it’s essential to remember that every professional interaction should be a two-way street.

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.

From Research Lab Critiques to Startup Pitches: My Slide Story

Starting my own business was a dream I’d always nurtured. But never did I think that my time at a government R&D agency would play such a pivotal role in my startup journey, and all because of…presentation slides!

Slide Struggles: The R&D Chronicles

Imagine this: I’m in a room filled with experienced scientists and officials, excitedly presenting the results of weeks of research. Yet, before I could even delve into the details, I’d be halted – usually by the second slide. My superior, with a puzzled expression, would barrage me with questions. Sometimes, they’d jump the gun, inquiring about points I was just about to cover in the subsequent slides.

Now, don’t get me wrong – feedback is a gift. But the cosmetic criticisms were particularly stinging. “Why this color?”, “The graphic is too amateur!”, “Is this slide just a photo?”, or “Feels like I’m reading an essay here!” It felt like navigating a tightrope walk where balance was elusive. Too much text, and it’s an overload. Just graphics, and it’s too vague.

The Startup Slide Revolution

Fast forward to my entrepreneurial journey, and presenting became second nature. Whether I was pitching to potential investors, engaging with customers, or sharing insights at lectures, the slide deck was my trusty sidekick. And here’s the twist in the tale: the relentless feedback from my R&D days turned into the treasure trove I didn’t know I needed.

Those seemingly endless rounds of critiques transformed into lessons. The balance of graphics and text, the narrative flow, the choice of colors – everything started making sense. It was as if the past was training me for these very moments.

I’ve now come to a point where I passionately design my own slides. Why? Because they’re an extension of my thoughts, my story, my vision. And who better to tell that story than me?

Conclusion: Embracing The Journey

Today, when I look back, I smile at the irony. What once was a source of frustration has now become a skill I deeply value. The critiques, the questions, the interruptions – they were all shaping a more resilient and adept version of me.

To all budding entrepreneurs out there: Embrace every feedback, every critique. You never know where those lessons will come in handy. After all, in the words of Steve Jobs, you can only connect the dots looking backward. My slides, my story. And what a journey it’s been!