Category: Thought Leadership

How to Overcome Fears on Media and Public Speaking

What fears have you overcome and how?

I’ve overcome my fears of facing the media over the years. It was a real challenge, but now I can confidently tackle various media platforms. From giving lectures to students, public speaking at seminars and conferences, making keynote speeches, being a panelist or even a panel moderator, going live on radio and TV, hosting webinars, creating videos on YouTube or TikTok, and going live on Facebook—I’ve done it all!

It wasn’t an overnight process, though. It took me a good number of years, actually more than 20 to 30 years, starting from my early days of employment, to lessen the jitters I felt when facing crowds and the media.

Overcoming Media Fears: My Tips

  1. Knowledge is Confidence: Being knowledgeable about the topic is crucial. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel when speaking about it.
  2. Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse your speeches or presentations extensively. The more you practice, the more comfortable you become with the material, refining your delivery and controlling your nerves.
  3. Arrive Early and Mingle: Ease your nervousness by arriving early and mingling with the audience or other speakers. It helps build connections and creates a more relaxed atmosphere.
  4. Prepared Answers for Panels: Have written answers prepared for panel sessions. They serve as a helpful reference when faced with challenging questions.
  5. Relate to Your Expertise: Find connections to your expertise when encountering unfamiliar topics. This allows you to provide valuable insights while staying within your comfort zone.
  6. Honesty Beats Guesswork: If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s better to admit it honestly. Offer to look into it and provide a well-informed response later.
  7. Inject Humor Appropriately: Adding humor lightens the atmosphere and engages the audience. Ensure it is relevant and suitable for the occasion.
  8. Link Topics Mentally, Not Read Slides: Instead of reading slides verbatim, mentally link the topics together for a more natural flow during the presentation.
  9. Clear and Concise Communication: Avoid mumbling or speaking too fast. Articulate your words clearly and explain complex ideas in simple terms to connect effectively with your audience.

These tips have helped me overcome my fears and excel in facing the media. What about you? Do you have any strategies or techniques that have worked for you? Share your thoughts!

The Subtle Art of Hiring: A Peek Into My Experience

Beyond Grades: Sifting Through Resumes

When it comes to hiring fresh graduates, many might consider academic grades as the primary sieve. Although grades indeed provide a snapshot of an individual’s academic performance, I find that the real gem often lies within their project experiences. A resume may be brimming with honors and accolades, but it’s the hands-on experience that adds the valuable edge.

The Story Your Projects Tell

The projects – assignments, group tasks, or final year projects, help me understand a candidate’s practical skills, critical thinking, and ability to collaborate. Unfortunately, resumes often fail to reveal the comprehensive story of these projects. Most list only the titles, offering scant insights into the depths of the tasks undertaken and the skills honed through them.

The Interview: Your Chance to Shine

The interview stage is where a candidate has the opportunity to articulate their experiences and skills. It is here that they can impress us by detailing their project experiences. However, quite often, the graduates fail to seize this chance. Those who outsourced their projects or didn’t engage with them deeply are the ones who struggle most, unable to lucidly articulate their roles and contributions.

The Importance of Hands-on Experience

What graduates often overlook is the immense value of project work. It’s the closest real-world work experience they gain during their studies. It’s their first taste of responsibility, an introduction to working under supervision, an opportunity to hone their presentation skills, and a trial by fire of their writing abilities through theses. They might not yet be in the league of candidates with more than a year of work experience, but these projects are their stepping stones.

Choosing The Right Projects: The Real Game Changer

The choice of final year projects is crucial. Opting for challenging tasks gives graduates the chance to prove their mettle, learn, and grow. These projects not only test their academic knowledge but also their ability to innovate, troubleshoot, and collaborate. Handling these projects efficiently mirrors handling real job responsibilities.

The Differentiating Factor: Your Ticket to Getting Hired

The interviewer always looks out for differentiators – elements that set one candidate apart from the rest. How you handle your academic projects, especially the final year ones, is a telling indicator of your potential as an employee. So, take your projects seriously. Choose them wisely. Excel in them. They might just be the key to unlock your dream job.

My Experience at the Two-Day Smart Cities Event: Juggling Multiple Roles

Day 1:

As dawn broke, my anticipation for the Smart Cities Event was palpable. A unique opportunity awaited me, one that was going to challenge my versatility – to serve as the Chairperson, a Speaker, and a Moderator all in the same event. The mere thought made my adrenaline rush, but I was determined to rise to the occasion.

Taking up the reins as the Chairperson, my initial responsibility lay in introducing the speakers. With meticulous research and profound respect for their work, I sought to present each speaker’s background in a way that was just and insightful. Managing time efficiently was crucial, ensuring the event flowed seamlessly and respected our shared schedule.

Particularly stimulating was engaging the audience during the Q&A sessions. I put in extra effort to prepare additional questions for the speakers, ensuring that everyone had something to answer. The goal was not only to stimulate dialogue but to ensure relevance and engagement. The process required a deep understanding of the topics and a keen sense of what would resonate with our audience.

Day 2:

On the second day, I stepped up to the podium as a Speaker, preparing a 45-minute talk on the topic of ‘IoT in Action: How Smart City Drive Data Driven Decision Making’. The audience’s questions pushed me to reflect more deeply on my subject matter, challenging me to provide thoughtful and comprehensive answers.

Later, I put on my Moderator’s hat for two panel sessions, with one of the panelists joining us virtually. Some of the topics were not necessarily my areas of expertise, but I embraced the challenge. Ensuring the questions posed were pertinent and meaningful was at the forefront of my approach. It was also essential to uphold fairness, allowing each speaker equal opportunities to express their views and insights.

The experience of multitasking was indeed tiring but equally rewarding. Despite the packed schedule and diverse roles, I found joy and fulfillment in the proceedings. What I took away was a deeper understanding of the topics, the joy of facilitating meaningful conversations, and the thrill of successfully multitasking in an event of such magnitude. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity and the enriching experiences that these two days offered me. Here’s to embracing more such challenges and growing through them!

Read – The Ultimate Startup Cheat Sheet.

Learning on the Go: The Power of Podcasts in My Daily Commute

What do you listen to while you work?

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for continuous learning can be a challenge. As an entrepreneur with a busy schedule, I have discovered a valuable source of knowledge during my daily commute – podcasts. While I prefer to work in silence to maintain focus, my drive to and from work presents the perfect opportunity to indulge in podcasts hosted by well-known figures, offering valuable advice on entrepreneurship, blogging, and social media tips.

The Commute: A Window of Opportunity
My daily commute to work, spanning 40 to 69 minutes, may seem like an unavoidable downtime. However, I have transformed it into a productive and enlightening experience by tuning into podcasts. Rather than passively enduring the drive, I now actively absorb valuable insights from these podcasts, making the most of this otherwise idle time.

Podcasts: The Ideal Learning Medium
While reading books demands dedicated time and attention, podcasts offer a more flexible way to learn. Podcasts bring valuable content right to my ears, enabling me to learn something new, stay updated with industry trends, and gain insights from experienced professionals, all while driving.

Empowering Entrepreneurs and Bloggers
As an entrepreneur, I understand the importance of continuous learning in my journey to success. Podcasts hosted by accomplished figures in the business world provide invaluable advice, real-life experiences, and strategies for growth. Listening to these entrepreneurial insights during my commute empowers me with knowledge to apply in my own ventures.

Social Media Tips: Navigating the Digital Landscape
In today’s digital age, social media plays a pivotal role in business growth and visibility. Listening to podcasts that delve into social media tips and strategies equips me with the tools to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape effectively.

Maximizing Limited Reading Time
Like many professionals, I find it challenging to allocate enough time for reading books amidst my busy schedule. However, podcasts offer a convenient solution to this dilemma. By tuning in during my commute, I can learn from the wisdom of experts without sacrificing my work or leisure time.

Making the Most of Every Moment
Embracing podcasts during my commute has taught me the significance of maximizing every moment of my day. By turning an ordinary drive into a valuable learning experience, I seize the opportunity to grow, adapt, and stay ahead in my entrepreneurial journey.

Conclusion: The Power of Learning on the Move
In a world where time is a precious commodity, finding creative ways to continue learning is vital. Podcasts have become my go-to medium for self-improvement, entrepreneurship insights, and social media expertise during my daily commute. By making the most of this idle time, I have discovered a powerful tool for continuous growth and development.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, blogger, or professional seeking knowledge, podcasts offer a gateway to a wealth of information and inspiration. Embrace the opportunity to learn on the move, and you’ll soon find yourself transformed by the valuable insights and wisdom shared by industry experts. So, the next time you hop into your car, plug in your earphones, and dive into the world of podcasts – a journey of learning awaits!

Spotify – My Favoriot App for listening Podcasts

Read – The Ultimate Startup Cheat Sheet.

The Exciting Fusion of IoT, AI, and Robotics: A Vision of A Smarter Future

What are you most excited about for the future?

For the tech enthusiasts among us, the question, “What am I most excited about for the future?” is answered without missing a beat – it is the promise of technologies that make our world smarter and our lives simpler. Indeed, the future we eagerly anticipate is one where technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and robotics are seamlessly integrated into our everyday life. This futuristic world isn’t merely about shiny new gadgets; it is about enhancing human life, augmenting our capabilities, and solving complex problems with precision and efficiency.

But, how exactly will these three transformative technologies change our lives? Let’s venture into a future where IoT, AI, and robotics meld together to create a smarter, simpler world.

Our Personal Lives: Smarter Homes and Healthier Lifestyles

Imagine waking up to a house that’s already anticipated your morning routine. The IoT-enabled coffee machine has brewed your coffee just in time for when you step out of the AI-powered shower that has adapted the water temperature to your preference. As you get ready, your smart mirror analyzes your health metrics, tracking any anomalies and providing updates on your overall well-being.

With the help of wearable IoT devices that monitor your vital signs and physical activities, preventive healthcare becomes the norm, and AI-powered applications can suggest personalized fitness routines and nutritional plans. Care for the elderly will be revolutionized with robots equipped with AI and IoT technologies offering assistance, companionship, and even medical aid.

Our Work: Increasing Efficiency and Productivity

In our workplaces, these technologies will work in synergy to streamline operations and enhance productivity. Imagine a smart office where your arrival triggers your preferred lighting and temperature settings. AI-powered tools could automate scheduling, organize your tasks based on your productivity patterns, and streamline communication between teams.

Collaborative robots, or ‘cobots,’ equipped with IoT sensors and AI capabilities, will work side by side with human employees. They will perform repetitive or dangerous tasks, leaving humans to focus on more creative and strategic aspects of their jobs. This not only increases safety but also boosts overall productivity.

Our Society: Smarter Cities and Improved Quality of Life

On a grander scale, the combination of IoT, AI, and robotics will facilitate the development of smarter, more efficient cities. IoT sensors could monitor everything from traffic patterns to air quality, helping to optimize urban planning and make cities more sustainable. AI could analyze the data to predict and manage any issues, such as traffic congestion, waste management, or energy use.

In disaster management, AI-powered robots could carry out rescue missions in hazardous environments where it is too dangerous for humans. They can help in search operations, deliver supplies, and even assist in medical procedures, potentially saving countless lives.

Our World: Environmental Conservation and Sustainability

As we grapple with climate change and environmental degradation, these technologies could provide innovative solutions for conservation and sustainability. IoT sensors can track environmental changes, providing valuable data to predict and mitigate the impact of climate change. AI can analyze this data to predict trends, while robots can be deployed for tasks like planting trees or cleaning up waste in hard-to-reach areas.

In conclusion, the fusion of IoT, AI, and robotics promises an exciting future where technology simplifies our lives, augments our abilities, and tackles global challenges. While we need to navigate issues around data privacy, security, and the digital divide, the benefits and potential of these technologies are undeniable. The future is not just about living in a high-tech world; it’s about living in a world where technology enhances human life, making us smarter, safer, healthier, and happier. As we stride into this exciting future, one can only wonder at the transformative changes we’ll see in the coming years.

Authority in IoT

On what subject(s) are you an authority?

I possess extensive expertise in various subjects related to the field of technology, specifically the Internet of Things (IoT) and related domains. As the co-founder and CEO of FAVORIOT Sdn Bhd, a notable company in the IoT industry, my authority and influence in the field are well-recognized.

I have been listed in Onalytica’s “Who’s Who in IoT” report (May 2022) and ranked among the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders in IoT (February 2019) and Digital Disruption (October 2019) by Thinkers360. In 2017, I was also recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Impactful Smart Cities Leaders by the World CSR Congress.

My contributions to the IoT community have led to significant recognition, including being ranked within the Top 10 in the IoT Top 100 Influencers by Postscapes in 2017 and 2018. Moreover, in 2014, I was listed as the 20th Thought Leader in IoT by Onalytica’s report, “The Internet of Things – Top 100 Thought Leaders.” Furthermore, I was honored as the UTM Alumni Industry Personality in 2016.

Prior to my role at FAVORIOT, I held prominent positions such as CEO of REDtone IOT for 2.5 years and Senior Director of Wireless Communications Cluster at MIMOS Berhad for 8 years. I also accumulated 13 years of experience in CELCOM, a leading mobile operator, where I held various senior management positions.

With a strong academic background, I served as an Associate Professor at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia for 10 years. Additionally, I held adjunct professorships at various universities, including UTM, UTHM, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Universiti Malaysia, and MJIIT, UTM. Currently, I hold the position of Adjunct Professor for the Faculty of Information Science and Technology at MMU from 2022 to 2024.

I am recognized as a renowned speaker and frequently share my expertise at major IoT, Industry 4.0, Smart Cities, and telecommunication conferences globally. Furthermore, I actively contribute as a member of the Industry Advisory Panel (IAP) for several local universities.

I completed my education with a BEE from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in 1984, an MSc. in Telematics from the University of Essex (UK) in 1986, and a Ph.D. in Telecommunications from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in 1993. In 2017, I was honored with an Honorary Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from UTHM. Additionally, I have been invited as a speaker at TEDx events, where I share my expertise and insights.

IoT

5 Successful Traits of Mazlan Abbas: A Journey of Excellence

Dr. Mazlan Abbas, the co-founder and CEO of FAVORIOT Sdn Bhd, possesses a remarkable set of traits that have contributed to his success. Let’s explore five of these traits that have shaped his journey of excellence.

1. Visionary Leadership: Pioneering the Internet of Things (IoT)

Dr. Mazlan’s visionary leadership has played a pivotal role in advancing the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape. His forward-thinking approach and ability to anticipate industry trends have set him apart. Key aspects of his visionary leadership include:

  • Identifying emerging technologies: Dr. Mazlan stays ahead of the curve by identifying and embracing cutting-edge technologies that drive digital transformation.
  • Industry influence: As a top-ranked thought leader in IoT and digital disruption, he influences the industry by sharing his insights and expertise at global conferences.
  • Driving innovation: Dr. Mazlan fosters a culture of innovation, encouraging teams to explore new possibilities and create disruptive solutions.

2. Expertise and Knowledge: A Profound Understanding of IoT and Telecommunications

With over three decades of experience, Dr. Mazlan possesses a profound understanding of IoT and telecommunications. His expertise is evident in the following areas:

  • Academic background: As an associate professor and adjunct professor at various universities, he has continuously expanded his knowledge and shared his expertise with the academic community.
  • Thought leadership: Dr. Mazlan’s extensive research and contributions to the IoT field have established him as a leading authority in the industry.
  • Continuous learning: He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and stays updated with the latest advancements in IoT and telecommunications.

3. Strong Industry Network: Collaborating for Success

Dr. Mazlan’s ability to build and nurture strong industry connections has been instrumental in his success. Key aspects of his strong industry network include:

  • Collaborative partnerships: He actively collaborates with industry stakeholders, academia, and government bodies to drive IoT initiatives and create synergistic opportunities.
  • Advisory roles: Dr. Mazlan serves on industry advisory panels for local universities, providing guidance and expertise to shape educational programs aligned with industry needs.
  • Global influence: Through his speaking engagements at international conferences, he expands his network and forms valuable connections with global IoT leaders.

4. Effective Communication: Inspiring and Influencing Change

As a TEDx speaker and frequent presenter at conferences worldwide, Dr. Mazlan possesses exceptional communication skills. He excels in the following areas:

  • Engaging storytelling: Dr. Mazlan captivates audiences with his compelling storytelling, effectively conveying complex IoT concepts in a relatable and accessible manner.
  • Thought-provoking presentations: His presentations inspire change and prompt audiences to explore new ideas, ultimately driving innovation in the IoT space.
  • Influential advocacy: Through his thought leadership and communication skills, Dr. Mazlan advocates for the transformative potential of IoT, encouraging others to embrace its possibilities.

5. Passion and Perseverance: Fueling Continuous Growth

Passion and perseverance are at the core of Dr. Mazlan’s success. His unwavering dedication and drive fuel his continuous growth. Key aspects of his passion and perseverance include:

  • Life-long learning: Dr. Mazlan’s passion for knowledge and personal growth has motivated him to pursue advanced degrees, honorary doctorates, and stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
  • Overcoming challenges: He approaches challenges with resilience and determination, learning from setbacks and using them as stepping stones toward further success.
  • Making an impact: Dr. Mazlan’s deep-rooted passion for IoT and its transformative potential drives him to make a positive impact in the industry, society, and the lives of individuals.

Dr. Mazlan Abbas’s journey of excellence is a testament to his visionary leadership, expertise, strong industry network, effective communication, and unwavering passion. These traits have not only shaped his own success but have also paved the way for the advancement of IoT and digital transformation on a global scale.

Dr. Mazlan Abbas

The 5 Essential Traits that Define Jeff Bezos’ Success

Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon and one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet, is a paragon of modern entrepreneurship. From starting an online bookstore to building a multi-billion-dollar tech empire, Bezos has redefined the e-commerce landscape. His success is underpinned by five key traits that have marked his journey.

  1. Long-Term Vision Bezos is a long-term thinker. His ability to look beyond the immediate and plan for the future has been a cornerstone of his success. Whether it’s Amazon’s initial focus on growth over immediate profit or his space venture, Blue Origin, Bezos’s strategies often revolve around long-term payoffs. His quote, “If we think long term, we can accomplish things that we wouldn’t otherwise accomplish,” sums up this perspective.
  2. Customer Obsession One of Amazon’s guiding principles is a relentless focus on customer satisfaction. Bezos instilled this ‘customer obsession’ into Amazon’s DNA, believing that by exceeding customer expectations, business success would follow. This commitment to customers has been a critical factor in Amazon’s growth and its pioneering of concepts like one-click shopping and same-day delivery.
  3. Willingness to Take Risks Bezos is not afraid to take risks. He left a secure job to start Amazon and later expanded into diverse sectors, like cloud computing with AWS and media with The Washington Post acquisition. These risks haven’t always paid off, but Bezos sees failures as necessary experiments that pave the path to innovation.
  4. Innovative Mindset Bezos is an ardent innovator. He continually pushes Amazon to break boundaries and redefine norms, resulting in groundbreaking initiatives like Kindle, Amazon Prime, and Alexa. This culture of innovation keeps Amazon at the forefront of the tech industry and enables it to continually evolve and grow.
  5. Resilience Bezos’s journey has had its share of hurdles, from initial skepticism about Amazon’s business model to more recent challenges. However, his resilience in the face of adversity has allowed him to navigate through these difficulties and continue to drive Amazon’s success. His approach can be encapsulated by his quote, “I knew that if I failed, I wouldn’t regret that, but I knew the one thing I might regret is not trying.”

In summary, Jeff Bezos’s success can be attributed to his long-term vision, customer obsession, willingness to take risks, innovative mindset, and resilience. These traits have propelled him to the pinnacle of global business and serve as valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Bezos’s story is a testament to the power of bold ideas, strategic risk-taking, and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction.

Jeff Bezos

The 5 Crucial Traits Fueling Bill Gates’ Success

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and a leading philanthropist, is one of the most influential figures in the tech industry. His vision and dedication have left a lasting impact on the world. As we examine his illustrious career, five essential traits stand out as contributing significantly to his success.

  1. Visionary Thinking Bill Gates’ ability to foresee future technological trends has been paramount in his success. He recognized the potential of personal computing early on and led Microsoft in pioneering the software that revolutionized the way we work and live. His visionary thinking continues to shape his philanthropic efforts, where he tackles pressing global issues with a future-forward mindset.
  2. Intellectual Curiosity Gates possesses an insatiable intellectual curiosity that constantly drives him to learn and innovate. This trait has allowed him to remain at the forefront of technological advancements and to apply his knowledge in diverse fields. He is well-known for his love of reading and continual learning, proving that a commitment to education is a cornerstone of success.
  3. Strategic Leadership As the leader of Microsoft, Gates demonstrated exceptional strategic thinking. He had the ability to translate his vision into actionable goals and guide his team towards them. His leadership style, combining strategic direction with empowerment, led Microsoft to become a dominant player in the tech industry.
  4. Perseverance Throughout his career, Gates has faced numerous obstacles, including intense competition and legal disputes. However, he has always shown great resilience and determination, using these challenges as motivation rather than deterrents. His perseverance in the face of adversity has been instrumental in his long-term success.
  5. Philanthropic Spirit One of Gates’ defining characteristics is his commitment to philanthropy. He believes in using his wealth and influence to make a positive impact on the world. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, his philanthropic venture, has invested billions in areas such as global health, education, and poverty alleviation. This philanthropic spirit underscores Gates’ conviction that success should be measured not only by personal gain but also by the positive change it brings about.

In conclusion, Bill Gates’ success is built on visionary thinking, intellectual curiosity, strategic leadership, perseverance, and a philanthropic spirit. His journey serves as a reminder that success isn’t just about wealth accumulation; it’s about the positive difference one can make in the world. The powerful legacy he continues to create inspires millions and sets a high bar for entrepreneurs worldwide.

Bill Gates

The 5 Key Traits Behind Elon Musk’s Success

Elon Musk, the powerhouse behind SpaceX and Tesla, has built a reputation as one of the world’s most innovative and ambitious entrepreneurs. His ventures into electric vehicles, solar energy, and space travel have transformed industries and inspired a generation of tech enthusiasts. Here, we explore the five crucial traits that have largely contributed to Musk’s astounding success.

  1. Visionary Thinking Musk is renowned for his ability to conceive of radical ideas that push the boundaries of what’s considered possible. His ambitious visions, like colonizing Mars or creating a high-speed transportation system in the form of the Hyperloop, exemplify his capacity to envision a future that most can’t yet perceive. This visionary thinking is a key driver behind Musk’s innovative projects and daring undertakings.
  2. Unyielding Perseverance In the face of adversity, Musk demonstrates an unwavering resolve. His companies, notably SpaceX and Tesla, have faced numerous hurdles, including financial crises and technical failures. Yet, Musk’s unyielding perseverance has carried them through these challenging times. He once said, “If something is important enough, even if the odds are against you, you should still do it,” embodying his relentless determination.
  3. Risk-Taking Musk is known for his high-stakes gambles, whether it’s investing his personal wealth in his companies or taking on audacious projects. His ability to take calculated risks – and manage the potential fallout – is a testament to his boldness and confidence in his visions. These risks have not always paid off immediately, but over time they’ve enabled Musk to innovate and disrupt multiple industries.
  4. In-depth Knowledge Elon Musk is not a figurehead; he’s an engineer at heart. He dives into the technical details of his ventures, from electric vehicle design at Tesla to rocket technology at SpaceX. This hands-on, in-depth knowledge allows Musk to guide his teams effectively, challenge assumptions, and find solutions to complex problems.
  5. Ability to Inspire Musk has the unique ability to inspire others with his ideas and ambitions. His charisma and confidence make people believe in his vision, be it his employees, customers, or the general public. He leverages this skill to attract top talent and build loyal customer bases for his companies. Musk’s ability to inspire has been instrumental in shaping his companies and making them successful.

In summary, Elon Musk’s success is the result of a potent combination of visionary thinking, relentless perseverance, bold risk-taking, in-depth knowledge, and the ability to inspire. His approach has transformed industries and set a new standard for what entrepreneurs can achieve. His journey serves as an inspiration for all, making us believe that nothing is impossible when met with the right vision and determination.

Elon Musk