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New Book Release – The Favoriot Way: A Life Built on Curiosity and Courage

I never intended to write a book about my life. For the longest time, I believed my story was ordinary. A boy who loved robots. A student who worked hard. A man who moved from academia to corporate, from research labs to startup chaos. Nothing spectacular. Nothing worth documenting.

But as the years passed, people began asking me the same question.
“How did you do it?”

Not in a way that demanded formulas or secret tricks, but in a way that revealed genuine curiosity.

“How did you keep going?”
“How did you reinvent yourself so many times?”
“What kept you believing when others doubted you?”
“What pushed you to start Favoriot so late in life?”

I realised then that this story was not really about me. It was about the lessons hidden between the chapters. Lessons about resilience, curiosity, courage and purpose. Lessons shaped by struggles most people never saw. Lessons carved not by success, but by the quiet decisions to keep moving forward.

This book is not a list of achievements. It is not a formula for success. It is not a polished story told from a pedestal. It is a reflection of a life shaped by small sparks, broken radios, unexpected losses, second chances, relentless learning, surprising turns and a belief that Malaysia can build technology that matters.

I wrote this for the young engineer who doubts his potential.

For the student who feels invisible in a big system.
For the entrepreneur who fears starting too late.
For the dreamer who keeps ideas hidden because of what others might say.
For the person standing at the edge of a decision, whispering, Can I really do this?

If my journey teaches anything, let it be this:

You do not need the perfect moment to begin.
You do not need the loudest voice to make an impact.
You do not need to be young to chase a dream.
You just need the courage to take the first step and the purpose to keep going.

The chapters ahead are pieces of my life told honestly, sometimes painfully, sometimes joyfully, but always with the hope that they help someone see their own path more clearly.

Thank you for reading this.

Thank you for letting me share my story.

And thank you for believing, even in small ways, that our country can build a future filled with possibilities.

The journey continues.

I am grateful to walk part of it with you.

[Download the eBook for FREE – The Favoriot Way: A Life Built on Curiosity and Courage]

Overview of FAVORIOT C0mplete Brand

💡 Brand Strategy

Brand Substance

Purpose:
To empower nations, universities, and innovators to build their own IoT ecosystems — achieving technological sovereignty and nurturing the next generation of IoT creators.

Vision:
To make FAVORIOT the world’s most trusted IoT platform that helps nations become producers, not just consumers, of technology.

Mission:
To simplify IoT adoption through education, local partnerships, and accessible platforms — enabling anyone, from students to enterprises, to build impactful smart solutions.

Values:

  • Empowerment: We lift others to build.
  • Collaboration: We grow together through partnerships.
  • Integrity: We stand for transparency and trust in every connection.
  • Curiosity: We explore, learn, and innovate with heart.
  • Resilience: We pivot, persevere, and keep moving forward.

Positioning Strategy

Audience:
Universities, startups, system integrators, and governments seeking IoT independence and real-world learning platforms.

Competition:
Global IoT hyperscalers (AWS IoT, Azure IoT, ThingsBoard) — but FAVORIOT differentiates by offering a local, sovereign, and education-driven ecosystem that’s made by Malaysians, for the world.

Difference:
FAVORIOT bridges education and enterprise — combining IoT training, certification, and deployment in one platform. It’s not just about data; it’s about developing people, institutions, and nations.

Brand Expression

Brand Persona

Brand Voice:
Warm, insightful, humble yet confident. Speaks like a mentor or friend who believes in your potential to create something great.

Brand Communication

Core Messaging:
“Let’s build the IoT world together.”
(Reflects collaboration, empowerment, and shared growth.)

Storytelling Framework:
Stories center around:

  • Empowering students and educators.
  • Real IoT impact on communities and industries.
  • Favoriot’s journey — from survival to global partnerships.
  • The vision of a Producer Nation and the rise of the Fayverse.

Brand Taglines:

  • “Empowering Nations to Build Their Own IoT Ecosystem.”
  • “Let’s Build the IoT World Together.”
  • “From Learners to Leaders in IoT.”

Visual Expression

Brand Identity:

  • Logo: Stylized “F” circuit path on magenta circle
  • Color: Official magenta #B90083 (symbolizing creativity, boldness, and human warmth)
  • Typography: Rounded sans-serif — modern yet approachable
  • Mascot: Faybee (symbol of teamwork and energy)
  • Personas: IoT Man and IoT Queen

Brand Presence:

  • Platforms: favoriot.com, Medium, LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify podcasts
  • Ecosystem: Universities, startups, and global partners in 10+ countries
  • Tone: Storytelling-driven, people-first, optimistic, and visionary

❤️ Summary

FAVORIOT is more than an IoT platform — it’s a movement.
A story about how local innovation can grow into a global ecosystem.
It represents Malaysia’s dream of becoming a Producer Nation, built on collaboration, purpose, and belief in our own capabilities.

We’re Not Just a Startup Anymore

Sometimes, people still introduce us like this:

“Oh, Favoriot? That IoT startup from Malaysia, right?”

And I pause for a second.

Yes, we were.

But are we still?

Let me rewind a bit.

Back in 2017, when we launched Favoriot, it was exactly that — a startup.

A handful of us.

One platform.

A dream to make IoT more accessible, especially for Southeast Asia.

Everything was lean, experimental, unpredictable.

Sometimes the server was more fragile than our optimism.

We pitched, we demoed, we chased leads — and celebrated every small win like it was a moon landing.

But today?

We’re in a different phase.

What Changed?

We’ve got paying customers.

Real ones.

Not just POCs or demos — but full deployments across smart cities, smart agriculture, education, and industry.

We’ve entered partnerships in Indonesia, the Philippines, Canada, India — and we’re not stopping there.

Our platform?

It’s no longer a prototype we hope works when someone opens their laptop.

It’s stable, scalable, and trusted by universities, enterprises, and city councils.

We even built Favoriot Academy — an education arm training hundreds (soon, thousands) of IoT-ready talents.

So, here’s the honest question I asked myself:

“Are we still a startup if we’re already delivering impact at scale?”

What We’ve Outgrown

The “startup” label carries a certain image.

You’re small. You’re scrappy. You’re still figuring things out.

But some things at Favoriot are no longer up for debate:

We know what we do best. We know who we serve. We know what pain points we solve.

We’re not constantly pivoting.

We’re focused on scaling what already works.

What We Still Keep

That said — we haven’t gone corporate.

We’re still fast.

We’re still experimenting.

We still believe in bold ideas and building things that matter.

We don’t have a long chain of decision-making.

You’ll still find me answering messages at odd hours, jumping into customer calls, and reviewing platform feedback with the team.

And we still have that fire — the same one we had when we first started.

So maybe we’re not a startup anymore…

But we’re not slowing down either.

So What Are We Now?

Some call this stage a scale-up.

Some say we’re an emerging tech company.

Others might call us a maturing platform player.

Me?

I say we’re still building.

Still growing.

Still proving that a Malaysian-born IoT platform can stand tall — and go global.

If you’re looking to partner with a company that’s lean enough to care but strong enough to deliver — we might be the right fit.

Not a startup.

Not a giant.

Just real people building real tech — one IoT solution at a time.

Let’s build the future together.

The Last Thing I Learned

What is the last thing you learned?

I often wonder, “Mazlan, at your age, can you still learn something genuinely new?” Well, let me assure you—I absolutely can. Life, especially one intertwined with technology, has a delightful way of keeping even the most seasoned among us humble and curious.

The last thing I learned was about storytelling, not just any kind of storytelling, but storytelling through short-form video, specifically on TikTok. Now, you might be thinking, “TikTok? Mazlan, aren’t you a bit seasoned for that? Isn’t TikTok just dancing teenagers and trendy challenges?” Trust me, I had those exact thoughts myself.

Initially, TikTok felt like uncharted territory, almost alien. As someone who spent decades deeply entrenched in the corporate and academic worlds, making concise yet impactful short-form content was not exactly in my DNA. I was used to elaborate presentations, detailed explanations, and nuanced discussions. But one thing entrepreneurship has repeatedly taught me is adaptability—often the hard way.

It all started when I realised Favoriot needed a fresh, younger audience. We needed to explain IoT in simpler, more digestible chunks, without losing the essence. I asked myself, “Mazlan, how can you explain IoT to someone who might never have heard of it before—and do it in less than 60 seconds?”

At first, the process was a comedy of errors. I recorded my first TikTok in my home office, trying to cram every detail about IoT into a minute. The result? An awkward 59 seconds of rushed speech, complicated jargon, and an expression that clearly said, “I have no idea what I’m doing here.” After rewatching it, even I felt overwhelmed and confused.

“Okay, Mazlan, breathe,” I told myself. “This is just another learning curve—remember when you first encountered blogging? You stumbled, learned, and eventually thrived.” So, back to basics. I studied successful TikTok creators—not the viral dancers, but those who managed to educate effectively and authentically.

What stood out was their storytelling approach—short, focused messages packed with value and personal insight. So, I began scripting my content differently, focusing on just one clear, compelling message per video. Each clip became more straightforward, and I found myself developing a rhythm. I was no longer lecturing; instead, it felt like chatting casually with a curious friend.

And guess what? People started to respond. Comments like “Thank you, Dr. Mazlan, I finally understand IoT!” and “Never thought IoT could be so easy to grasp!” began trickling in. It was astonishing, and incredibly motivating.

The greatest lesson, however, wasn’t just about content creation. It was about humility and openness—recognising that regardless of your past achievements or age, stepping out of your comfort zone remains an essential part of growth. Learning TikTok reminded me that humility, adaptability, and persistence are vital companions in life.

Today, I’m regularly creating content on TikTok, and it genuinely brings me joy to simplify complex IoT concepts for wider audiences. Every new follower, every insightful comment reaffirms this lesson:

You’re never too experienced to learn something new, and the greatest innovations often come when we step into the unknown and embrace being beginners again. So, if you ever find yourself hesitating about exploring unfamiliar ground, remind yourself—”If Mazlan can do TikTok, surely you can take on anything!”

“Retirement? I’m Just Getting Started!” – Why I Hate Being Asked This Question

What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.

One question I absolutely hate being asked is: “Why are you still working so hard at your age?”

It’s a question that, at first, seems harmless—maybe even well-intentioned. But every time I hear it, I feel a strange mix of frustration, disbelief, and sometimes even amusement. Why do people assume that age dictates when you should stop pursuing your passions?

The Assumption Behind the Question

I know where this question comes from. Society has conditioned us to believe that there’s a timeline for everything:

• Get a degree in your 20s.

• Build a career in your 30s.

• Reach the peak in your 40s.

• Start slowing down in your 50s.

• Retire and relax in your 60s.

By this logic, someone like me—who has already spent decades in the industry—should be sitting on a beach somewhere, sipping coconut water, and watching the sunset.

But that’s not who I am.

I’ve spent my life immersed in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Why would I stop now, when I have so much more to contribute?

Passion Doesn’t Have an Expiry Date

People who ask this question seem to believe that work is just about earning a living. They don’t understand that for some of us, work is an extension of who we are.

I don’t see myself as “working hard” in the traditional sense. I see myself as constantly learning, innovating, and sharing my knowledge. Every project, every challenge, and every new development in IoT or AI excites me. The moment I stop engaging with these ideas is the moment I stop growing.

For me, stopping would feel like an early death—at least intellectually.

The Fear of Irrelevance

Another reason I continue pushing forward is the fear of irrelevance. Technology moves at an incredible speed. If you step back, even for a few years, the industry moves on without you. I’ve seen brilliant minds fade away simply because they decided to “take it easy.”

That’s not going to be me.

I want to remain at the forefront of IoT, AI, and Smart Cities. I want to contribute to the discussions, shape the industry, and mentor the next generation of innovators. If that means working just as hard (or even harder) as I did 20 years ago, then so be it.

What People Don’t See

What people don’t see is the fulfillment that comes from what I do. They see the long hours, the constant travel, and the seemingly endless meetings. But they don’t see the joy of watching a startup thrive because of the guidance I provided.

They don’t see the excitement I feel when Favoriot partners with companies across the globe, expanding our impact.

They don’t see the pride in helping universities build IoT curriculums or the satisfaction of watching my ideas take shape in real-world applications.

This isn’t about money. It’s about legacy. It’s about impact.

Redefining “Retirement”

The traditional idea of retirement—where you stop working and just “relax”—doesn’t appeal to me. I would rather redefine retirement as a stage where I have the freedom to choose the projects I want to work on, without financial pressure.

And that’s exactly what I’m doing now.

If retirement means I get to write, teach, mentor, innovate, and continue shaping the future of IoT—then I guess I’m “retired” in my own way.

The Next Time Someone Asks…

The next time someone asks me, “Why are you still working so hard?” I might just smile and say:

“Because I love what I do. And because I’m not done yet.”

The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 3: Why No One Wanted Our IoT Platform—And How We Turned It Around

The Beginning of a Daunting Journey

In 2019, we officially launched our self-developed IoT services with high hopes. The FAVORIOT IoT platform was our pride and joy—a product we believed could transform how data is collected, processed, and visualized. Yet, reality hit us hard. No one wanted to use it.

I still remember the sting of those early days. We offered our platform for free to the first ten customers to gain traction, but even that didn’t work. “Why doesn’t anyone want to use our platform?” I would ask myself almost every night.

It wasn’t just a passing thought but an all-consuming question that kept me awake. Was our product flawed? Did we miss something crucial?

The truth was more complicated to accept than I imagined. The issue wasn’t with our product’s functionality or potential—it was the lack of understanding about IoT itself. People didn’t know how to use an IoT platform because they didn’t know what IoT could do for them. This was not just a technical problem but a knowledge gap that needed bridging.

Planting Seeds of IoT Awareness in Universities

I’ve always believed that education is the foundation of progress. As an Industry Advisory Panel member at several universities, I saw an opportunity to address this knowledge gap. In meetings with lecturers and deans, I passionately advocated for curriculum changes.

“We need to teach students how to use IoT technology more systematically,” I said repeatedly. “It’s not just about theory; it’s about hands-on experience.”

Slowly, my efforts began to bear fruit. Universities started incorporating IoT-focused courses into their programs, and students were introduced to connected devices. Knowing that a new generation of tech-savvy individuals was emerging was a proud moment for me.

But just when I thought the tides were turning, I encountered another challenge.

Why Not Favoriot?

Despite the growing interest in IoT, many students opted for platforms like Blynk and ThingSpeak for their final-year projects. It was disheartening to see them bypass Favoriot. I couldn’t help but wonder, “Why aren’t they choosing us? What does our platform lack compared to these alternatives?”

It wasn’t just about competition—it was about understanding what made those platforms more appealing. I realized that we needed to work harder to showcase Favoriot’s value, unique features, and potential to become the preferred IoT platform for students and professionals.

Introducing Favoriot to the World

Determined to make a change, I began organizing seminars and workshops to introduce the Favoriot IoT Platform to the public. Each event allowed me to share my vision and educate participants about the platform’s capabilities.

I would stand in front of the audience, often a mix of students, lecturers, and industry professionals, and speak with passion:

“This platform is not just for students. It’s for professionals and large companies, too. It’s designed to support larger R&D projects and commercial applications.”

The road wasn’t easy, but gradually, people started paying attention. They saw the potential in Favoriot—not just as another IoT platform but as a solution tailored to meet diverse needs.

The Turning Point

By 2024, our persistence began to pay off. Favoriot was no longer an unknown name in the IoT landscape. Out of 9,375 users (as of January 27, 2025), 80% came from our own country—a milestone that filled me with pride.

“We did it,” I told my team with a sense of accomplishment. “We’ve proven that we can compete with global platforms and carve out our own space.”

The Favoriot IoT Platform is now widely used for collecting data in larger R&D projects and commercial applications. It has become a trusted tool for those who see the power of IoT in solving real-world challenges.

Reflections and Looking Ahead

As I reflect on this journey, I can’t help but feel grateful for the challenges we faced. They taught us resilience, creativity, and the importance of education in driving technological adoption.

But our story doesn’t end here. Favoriot is still evolving, and we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible. We aim to expand beyond Malaysia, reach users worldwide, and continue empowering individuals and organizations with IoT solutions.

This journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of believing in your vision. I say to anyone facing challenges in their entrepreneurial journey, don’t give up.

Every obstacle is an opportunity to learn, grow, and return stronger.

Stay tuned for the next chapter of our story, where I’ll share how Favoriot continues to innovate and expand its reach.

More Stories About Entrepreneurship

  1. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 6: Expanding The Business Models
  2. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 5: Finding the Right Fit
  3. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 4: How Favoriot Became More Than Just an IoT Platform
  4. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 3: Why No One Wanted Our IoT Platform—And How We Turned It Around
  5. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 2: Turning Failures into Milestones
  6. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part I: The Humble Beginnings of Favoriot
  7. Building My Personal Brand: The Stepping Stone to Favoriot’s Success
  8. From Research Lab Critiques to Startup Pitches: My Slide Story
  9. The Illusion of RFPs in the IoT World: Managing Expectations as a Startup
  10. Favoriot’s Odyssey: Navigating the Rough Waters of Early Revenue

The Secret to Faster, More Scalable IoT Deployments for System Integrators

IOT WORLD

Why System Integrators Should Embrace the Favoriot Platform for IoT Solutions

Businesses increasingly leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance efficiency and unlock new revenue opportunities.

At the heart of these initiatives are system integrators (SIs), whose expertise in connecting diverse devices, protocols, and systems is vital to the success of IoT deployments.

Despite their pivotal role, SIs often face challenges that hinder their progress and complicate projects.

Challenges in Building IoT Solutions

Developing IoT solutions is far from straightforward.

System integrators must juggle various device protocols, manage massive volumes of real-time data, ensure robust security, and scale projects as they grow.

These complexities can lead to prolonged development cycles, labour-intensive custom coding, and fragmented implementations.

As a result, SIs often find it challenging to innovate and meet evolving customer demands.

The Need for Streamlined IoT Deployments

How can system integrators overcome these hurdles and deliver reliable, scalable IoT solutions more efficiently?

Adopting a platform that simplifies and accelerates IoT project development and management is the answer.

Introducing the Favoriot Platform

Favoriot offers a comprehensive solution tailored to the needs of system integrators.

Its secure, scalable cloud environment supports multiple communication protocols, enabling seamless connectivity for diverse IoT devices.

With real-time data ingestion and analytics capabilities, the platform reduces the complexity of managing large-scale deployments.

Favoriot also provides customisable dashboards and API integrations, allowing SIs to effortlessly transform raw data into actionable insights.

Security and Scalability for Confidence

Security and scalability are at the core of the Favoriot platform.

System integrators can confidently deploy solutions that meet industry standards while ensuring their projects can grow alongside their customers’ needs.

By minimising the need for time-consuming custom integrations, Favoriot frees up SIs to focus on delivering value-added services that differentiate them in the market.

Faster Time-to-Market with Favoriot

By leveraging Favoriot, system integrators can significantly reduce project timelines.

The platform’s unified approach eliminates many technical challenges, enabling SIs to bring solutions to market faster.

This efficiency enhances productivity and strengthens customer relationships by delivering reliable results.

Empowering Innovation in IoT

Favoriot equips system integrators with the tools to excel in a competitive IoT landscape.

By simplifying the complexities of IoT projects, the platform allows SIs to concentrate on driving innovation and meeting customer expectations.

With Favoriot, system integrators can unlock the full potential of IoT, creating scalable solutions that deliver lasting impact.

Examples of IoT Applications and Their Benefits

Today, look at some real-world examples of IoT applications and their benefits.

This diagram focuses on two industries—transportation and logistics and Oil and gas —to illustrate how IoT solutions can reduce costs and improve efficiency. Let’s examine each example in detail.

Based on the eBook — IoT Notes by Mazlan Abbas

1. Transportation & Logistics

In this industry, IoT solutions are used to improve the management of vehicles and delivery systems.

IoT Solution:

  • Sensors are installed in vehicles to provide real-time data on their state and performance.
  • These sensors report on engine health, location, and delivery progress.

Benefits (Payback):

Cost Savings:

  • Reduces truck operation and delivery costs by identifying and addressing maintenance issues early.
  • Minimises fuel consumption by optimising delivery routes.

Improved Efficiency:

  • Reduces delivery disruptions and delays.
  • Ensures on-time deliveries and improves overall logistics system performance.

Example in Action: A logistics company uses IoT-enabled fleet management to track delivery vehicles and proactively schedule maintenance, avoiding breakdowns and saving costs.

2. Oil & Gas

The Oil & Gas industry faces unique challenges that IoT can address by enhancing safety and efficiency.

IoT Solution:

  • Sensors are deployed throughout an oil rig to monitor critical components.
  • These sensors detect potential issues and provide operators with real-time alerts.

Benefits (Payback):

Cost Savings:

  • Increases safety by providing early and reliable warnings of potential equipment failures.
  • Prevents costly shutdowns by identifying problems before they escalate.

Improved Efficiency:

  • Real-time alerts enable quicker responses, reducing downtime and improving time-to-revenue.
  • Enhances asset utilisation by ensuring equipment operates optimally (4x improvement).
  • Complete data analysis allows for near real-time decision-making and operational adjustments.

Example in Action: An oil rig uses IoT sensors to monitor drill performance and prevent malfunctions, ensuring smoother operations and faster oil extraction.

Key Takeaways

IoT in Transportation & Logistics:

  • Reduces costs and enhances delivery efficiency through real-time monitoring of vehicles.

IoT in Oil & Gas:

  • Improves safety, reduces downtime, and maximises asset utilisation with real-time alerts and analysis.

Final Thought:
IoT transforms industries by providing actionable data that saves money and improves efficiency. These examples show how IoT can adapt to specific industry needs and bring measurable benefits.

Discussion Question: Which other industries do you think can benefit from similar IoT solutions? Let’s brainstorm together!

[Download IoT Notes eBook for FREE]

How Enablers, Engagers, and Enhancers Drive the IoT Journey

IOT WORLD

The IoT Revolution: Shaping the Future with Enablers, Engagers, and Enhancers

The Internet of Things (IoT) has always been a fascinating space for me.

It’s incredible how a concept that seemed futuristic not too long ago has become a driving force in the tech industry.

IoT has opened up a world of opportunities, with market projections ranging from $2 trillion to $14 trillion. That’s mind-boggling! But here’s the thing – jumping into IoT without understanding your role in the ecosystem is like trying to build a house without knowing which part you’re responsible for.

Let me walk you through this ecosystem as I see it, breaking it into three leading roles: Enablers, Engagers, and Enhancers.

Enablers: The Builders of IoT

Think of Enablers as the architects and construction workers of the IoT world.

They’re laying the groundwork – developing the technologies, hardware, and infrastructure that make IoT possible. Without them, there’s no IoT, period.

When I worked at MIMOS Berhad, Malaysia’s national R&D centre, I saw how challenging this role can be. You’re not just building products; you’re creating the tools others will use to develop their solutions.

Companies like Cisco and Intel are perfect examples. They design the chips, the communication protocols, and the platforms that allow data to flow between devices.

At FAVORIOT, our platform plays a similar role.

It’s a foundation for developers to connect devices and scale their applications. Being an Enabler means thinking about scalability, security, and reliability ahead of time.

It’s demanding but also incredibly rewarding because you’re shaping the future of IoT.

Engagers: Bringing IoT to Life

If Enablers are the builders, Engagers are the storytellers.

They take the raw capabilities provided by Enablers and turn them into solutions that make sense to the everyday user. This is where IoT comes alive for people.

I love this role because it’s all about creativity and problem-solving.

Engagers design and deliver IoT services that address real-world needs. For instance, Nest’s smart thermostats made IoT relatable and accessible to millions of households.

While leading REDtone IOT, I saw how challenging it is to balance innovation with practicality.

You have to create solutions that are not only cutting-edge but also easy to use and affordable.

Whether it’s developing intelligent farming systems, health monitoring devices, or city-wide solutions, Engagers connect IoT to its audience.

At FAVORIOT, we stepped into this role with projects like RAQIB, a health monitoring system for Hajj pilgrims.

The idea was simple: make it easier for caregivers to monitor pilgrims’ health remotely. It’s about identifying and meeting a need with IoT tools.

Enhancers: Turning Data into Action

Here’s where things get exciting.

Enhancers take all the data IoT devices collect and turn it into something meaningful.

They’re the analysts, the data scientists, and the visionaries who uncover patterns and insights that help people make better decisions.

This role is close to my heart because it’s where IoT’s actual value is unlocked.

For example, RAQIB isn’t just about collecting health data – it’s about analysing it to predict potential issues and alert caregivers. Without that intelligence layer, the data would be numbers on a screen.

Enhancers rely on AI and machine learning technologies to transform raw data into actionable insights.

Companies like Palantir and Splunk are masters at this.

They build platforms that help businesses make sense of complex data. It’s a challenging role but incredibly impactful, especially as IoT continues to generate more and more data daily.

At Favoriot, we are now enhancing our IoT platform with Agentic AI, making it an “AIoT”.

Where Do You Fit In?

So, how do you decide where you belong in this ecosystem?

Should you build the infrastructure as an Enabler, create applications as an Engager, or analyse the data as an Enhancer?

Here’s my advice: start with what you’re good at.

If you’re a tech wizard with a hardware and software development knack, the Enabler role might be for you.

If you understand market needs and enjoy creating user-centric solutions, focus on being an Engager. And if data is your thing, Enhancers have plenty of opportunities for innovation.

At FAVORIOT, we started as Enablers, building our IoT platform. Over time, we expanded into the Engager and Enhancer roles by creating solutions like Favorsense, a crowdsensing platform, RAQIB and now become AIoT platform.

It’s a natural progression, but it all began with identifying and focusing on our strengths.

The Real Power of IoT

At its core, IoT isn’t just about connecting devices; it’s about connecting insights.

The more devices you have collecting data, the more opportunities there are to make meaningful discoveries. But here’s the catch – you need the right tools and expertise to turn that data into something valuable.

That’s why Enhancers are so crucial.

With advanced analytics, they can predict equipment failures, improve operational efficiency, or even save lives.

It’s about more than just technology; it’s about creating solutions that make a difference.

Let’s Shape the Future Together

The IoT landscape is vast, and the opportunities are endless.

But success comes down to understanding your role – whether you’re an Enabler, an Engager, or an Enhancer – and playing to your strengths.

Don’t try to do everything.

Focus on where to add the most value, and the rest will follow.

For me, IoT is more than just a field of work – it’s a mission to create smarter, more connected communities.

Whether you’re building the infrastructure, designing the applications, or analysing the data, you’re contributing to something bigger: a future where technology works seamlessly to improve lives.

So, let’s get out there and make it happen.

The IoT revolution is just starting, and there’s plenty of room for us to make our mark.

Where will you begin?

The Startup Playbook: 12 Essential Lessons from Favoriot’s Rise in IoT

IOT STARTUP JOURNEY

Building an IoT Dream: What Favoriot Taught Me About Startups and Success

It’s a rollercoaster ride — that’s how it feels.

As a founder, I’ve lived through every peak, valley, triumph, and stumble.

These experiences have taught us invaluable lessons that resonate with many other startup founders navigating their challenges.

I’ll share some of these insights, weaving in our story and the principles that guided us.

Building a Unique Value Proposition

When we started Favoriot, we knew we couldn’t compete head-to-head with giants like AWS and Azure. But that didn’t deter us.

Instead, we asked ourselves: What can we do differently?

We decided to focus on building a niche — a platform specifically tailored for developers, businesses, and educational institutions.

We saw an opportunity to simplify IoT development and make it accessible to a broader audience.

While others were targeting massive enterprise solutions, we aimed at creating something for the everyday innovator.

This focus allowed us to create a unique space in a crowded market.

Lesson: Find your niche and double down on it. Differentiation is not just a strategy; it’s survival in a world dominated by giants.

Global Expansion through Partnerships

Scaling globally was a dream we dared to chase.

But how could a small Malaysian startup make waves internationally?

The answer was partnerships. We launched the Favoriot Global Partner Program with local experts in Canada, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India.

These partnerships were more than business deals; they were collaborations built on trust and shared vision.

Our partners brought invaluable local insights, helping us tailor our offerings to meet market needs.

Lesson: Don’t try to do it all yourself. Collaborate with local partners who understand the nuances of their markets. Their expertise can be your gateway to scaling internationally.

Community Building

One of the most fulfilling parts of this journey has been building the Favoriot developer community.

Early on, we realized that an engaged community isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a cornerstone of growth.

We invested time and resources in listening to our developers, organizing webinars, and creating value-added content.

Their feedback not only improved our platform but also fostered loyalty and advocacy.

Lesson: A strong community can amplify your impact. Engage with your users, listen to their needs, and make them part of your journey.

Solving Real-World Problems

RAQIB, our IoT solution for elderly care, is among our proudest achievements.

The idea was born from a personal need — caring for ageing family members.

This wasn’t just about technology; it was about solving a real-world problem that resonated with many others.

The emotional connection to this project fueled our determination.

It reminded us why we started Favoriot in the first place: to use technology to make lives better.

Lesson: Align your product development with real-world challenges. When you solve meaningful problems, your work becomes more than just a business; it becomes a mission.

Overcoming Resource Constraints

Running a startup often feels like a constant juggling act, especially when resources are limited.

Unlike tech giants, we didn’t have deep pockets. But what we lacked in resources, we made up for with creativity and focus.

We prioritized initiatives with the highest ROI, embraced lean methodologies, and made every dollar count. It wasn’t easy, but it taught us to be resourceful and resilient.

Lesson: Constraints can be a blessing in disguise. They force you to innovate and focus on what truly matters.

Leveraging Education and Training

From the beginning, we saw education as a powerful way to drive IoT adoption.

We partnered with universities, offering our platform as a tool for hands-on learning.

The response was overwhelming. Students and educators alike appreciated having access to a real-world IoT platform.

This initiative boosted Favoriot’s visibility and nurtured the next generation of IoT innovators.

Lesson: Educational partnerships can be a win-win. They expand your reach while contributing to the growth of your industry.

Persistence and Long-Term Vision

Competing in a saturated market requires grit.

There were moments of doubt, times when progress felt excruciatingly slow. But we stayed the course, driven by a clear vision: to enable IoT solutions for everyone.

Persistence paid off. Every small win added up, and over time, we built momentum.

Lesson: Success doesn’t happen overnight. Stay committed to your vision and trust the process.

Adapting to Market Feedback

Feedback has been our most excellent teacher.

Developers, businesses, and even critics have shaped the evolution of the Favoriot platform. Listening to their needs and acting on their suggestions helped us stay relevant and competitive.

Lesson: Feedback isn’t a criticism; it’s an opportunity to grow. Embrace it and use it to refine your offerings.

Focus on Localization

When entering international markets, one size doesn’t fit all.

Our partners were crucial in localizing the Favoriot platform, ensuring it met each region’s cultural and regulatory requirements.

Lesson: Understand the local context. Tailor your solutions to align with the specific needs of each market.

Strong Branding and Storytelling

Sharing our journey — the highs, the lows, and everything in between — has been a powerful way to connect with our audience.

Authentic storytelling helped build Favoriot’s brand and credibility.

Lesson: People connect with stories, not just products. Be authentic and share your journey openly.

Strategic Technology Integration

We’ve always strived to stay ahead of the curve, integrating emerging technologies like AI and data analytics into our platform.

This adaptability kept us relevant and opened new opportunities.

Lesson: Don’t just follow trends; integrate them strategically to enhance your offerings.

Importance of Patience in IoT Projects

IoT adoption, especially in industries like smart cities, often takes time.

Long sales cycles and bureaucratic hurdles can be frustrating, but they’re part of the process.

Lesson: Patience is more than a virtue; it’s a necessity. Build strong relationships and stay the course.

Looking back, Favoriot’s journey has been a combination of challenges, lessons, and growth.

Each step taught us something valuable, shaping who we are today.

To my fellow startup founders, I hope these lessons inspire and guide you on your paths.

Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.