Category: Uncategorized

Writing Should Bring Joy – Not Just Cents and Dollars

Writer’s dilemma

Oh, where do I even start?

Are you getting burnt out?

The last couple of months have been a rollercoaster for me, at least when it comes to my Medium earnings.

December 2023 and January 2024 were phenomenal – I mean, I was on cloud nine, seeing those numbers go up. “This is it,” I thought, “I’m finally making a breakthrough!”

But then, February rolled around, and let’s just say, the excitement started to wear off.

The results were… underwhelming, to say the least.

Some days, I’d log in, eager to see my progress, only to find a few cents added to my account.

“What’s going on?” I’d mutter to myself, staring blankly at the screen.

It was like someone had popped my happy bubble with a sharp needle.

I’ve been publishing like a machine – daily, sometimes even twice a day. So, what went wrong?

As I sat there, staring at my laptop, I started to ponder over my recent Medium activities.

A lightbulb went off – “Ah-ha!” It dawned on me that I’d been less engaged with other writers.

My interaction levels had plummeted.

Sure, the claps were still coming in, but when was the last time I left a meaningful comment on someone else’s work? “Hmm, can’t remember,” I whispered to myself.

The truth is, I’ve been so caught up in churning out content that I forgot the essence of being part of a community.

Reading others’ posts and engaging with them wasn’t just a chore; it was what made the platform special.

Perhaps my articles weren’t hitting the mark anymore.

I’ve been writing a lot about Medium tips and stories, but let’s face it – those topics are becoming as stale as last week’s bread.

“Do people even find these interesting anymore?” I questioned, tapping my pen against the notebook.

It’s not just the content, though.

Could it be writer’s block, or am I just tired?

The thought of taking a break crossed my mind. “Maybe I need to step back, recharge, and find inspiration elsewhere,”

I mused, staring out the window.

The idea of reading for fun, without the pressure of monetizing every word, suddenly seemed appealing.

So, what do you think?

Should I give myself the permission to take a step back and just enjoy being a reader for a while?

Maybe that’s the reset button I need to hit. After all, writing should bring joy, not just cents and dollars.

TED Talks – The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking – A Book Review

Thought Leadership — Book Review by Mazlan Abbas

Be a Great Speaker

It was like finding a treasure trove just when I needed it the most.

You see, the thought of doing my first TED Talk was exhilarating but, let’s be honest, equally terrifying.

I needed guidance, something or someone to hold my hand through this nerve-wracking process, and that’s exactly what this book “TED Talks” did for me.

First off, the insider perspective is just gold.

It’s not everyday you get a backstage pass into the minds of some of the most impactful speakers around the world.

Chris Anderson doesn’t just share tips; he shares a vision, a philosophy of what makes a talk not just good, but great, unforgettable even.

What struck me was this idea that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula for a successful talk.

It’s about authenticity, about bringing your unique perspective and experience to the table, which was incredibly reassuring.

The book demystifies the process of crafting a compelling talk, breaking it down into tangible steps that felt doable, even for a newbie like me.

Reading about the journeys of renowned speakers like Sir Ken Robinson and Amy Cuddy was not just inspiring; it was enlightening.

It made me realize that even the best were once beginners. And the practical tips – oh, they were a lifesaver!

From structuring your content to delivering it with confidence, the book covers it all.

But here’s the real kicker: it made me understand the power of a well-delivered talk.

The potential to ignite change, to connect deeply with an audience, to share something meaningful – it’s all there in the art of public speaking, and this book is your roadmap to harnessing that power.

By the time I closed the last page, I felt like I had been through an intensive workshop.

I wasn’t just more knowledgeable; I was more confident, ready to take the stage and share my ideas with the world.

So, to anyone standing at the precipice of their first TED Talk, or any public speaking opportunity for that matter, this isn’t just a recommendation – it’s a must-read. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Get this “TED Talks” book from Amazon. (Note: This is an affiliate link)

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Empowering Change: The Leaders and Doers of Generation-IoT

The Rise of Generation-IoT

Generation-IoT: Pioneering New Paths in Technology and Business

Generation-IoT

[Note: Click here for FREE access to member-only story]

The Generation-IoT, are the people who are reshaping our future with some seriously smart solutions.

When I think about Generation-IoT, I picture these trailblazers in the IoT space, not afraid to roll up their sleeves, dive into new challenges, and whip up something innovative.

These aren’t your average techies; they’re the real deal, pushing boundaries and not just dreaming about the future — they’re building it.

Now, it’s not about how old they are or what fancy titles they have.

What sets them apart is their knack for crafting agile, flexible business solutions.

They’re the new breed of leaders, makers, thinkers, and doers who aren’t just going with the flow of change — they’re steering it, turning big challenges into even bigger opportunities.

These Generation-IoT stars get it: IoT isn’t just a one-off project or a buzzword.

It’s a continuous journey of adaptation, learning, and innovation.

They’re the champions within their organizations, driving the adoption of IoT-driven processes, shaking up old business models, and finding new ways to rake in revenue.

So, how do we fan the flames of this burgeoning generation?

We desperately need their fresh perspectives and bold ideas to keep the wheels of the industry turning.

But here’s the kicker: how do we prep them to dive headfirst into the IoT world?

First things first, we’ve got to arm them with the right tools.

They need to get the hang of the IoT middleware or platforms that bridge the gap between the hardware and software realms.

These platforms are the secret sauce, allowing our Gen-IoT whizzes to connect devices, crunch data, and even dabble in machine learning to create applications that can, well, transform the world.

Whether they choose to build their own IoT platforms or hop onto existing ones, there’s a whole universe of options out there.

With hundreds of platforms globally, the sky’s the limit for what they can create and how they can innovate.

So, here’s to the Generation-IoT — the pioneers who are not just living in the era of smart solutions but are actively shaping it.

They’re the ones who remind us that, with the right tools, vision, and a dash of daring, transforming the world isn’t just possible — it’s inevitable.

Let’s gear up, join the movement, and see where this incredible journey takes us!

Grab Now — “FAV7YEARS” Code to get 50% Off From Subscription

For a limited period (1–31 March 2024), you can redeem 50% off your Favoriot Beginner Plan 1-Year Subscription. There is no limit to using the Code (Valid on the offer period)

Inside Wai-O-Tapu’s Volcanic Landscape

My Travelogue

The Fiery’s Depth

Author at Wai-O-Tapu

This place is like stepping onto a different planet!

Near Rotorua in New Zealand, this spot is all about the jaw-dropping geothermal magic.

Think bubbling mud pools, steaming ground, and those wild, wild colors.

First up, you’ve got the Champagne Pool – and it’s not for swimming, let me tell you!

It’s like nature’s own art show with all those crazy colors swirling around.

And the steam coming off it? Feels like you’re in some ancient, mystical land.

And the colors – oh, the colors! It’s like a giant, natural painting.

Yellows, greens, blues, oranges… they’re all there, bright and bold, thanks to the minerals hanging out in the waters.

It’s like walking through a rainbow that’s decided to settle down on the ground.

The walking trails are a blast, too.

You get to wander around, taking in all these different scenes, from thick greenery to spots that look more moon than Earth.

And every corner you turn, there’s something new to gawk at, making you feel like you’re on some grand adventure.

Plus, there’s a bunch to learn if you’re into the science-y side of things.

It’s all part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, so you’re literally walking on a giant, natural powerhouse.

And those info boards dotted around? They’re like mini-lessons in geology and ecology – but, you know, actually fun to read.

The folks running the place have made sure it’s easy to get around, too.

Nice paths and boardwalks mean you can get up close without, you know, accidentally stepping into a boiling hot spring.

It’s all set up so you can just focus on being wowed.

Honestly, Wai-O-Tapu is just unforgettable.

Whether you’re there for the ‘gram, keen on the earthy science stuff, or just want to see something totally out of this world, it delivers big time.

I left feeling like I’d just been on the coolest field trip ever, and I’d go back in a heartbeat.

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Making Malaysia an IoT Hub

Happy 7th Anniversary to Favoriot!

Together, Let’s Build a Nation with Smart Solutions

[Note: Click here to have FREE access to this member-only story]

Favorite — That’s how you actually pronounce the name “Favoriot”

I’m super excited to share a bit about why my co-founders and I built Favoriot, and even more thrilled to celebrate our 7th anniversary with all of you!

It feels like just yesterday, on February 20, 2017, we all came together, buzzing with ideas and the shared dream of launching an IoT startup that could really make a difference.

Our initial spark was lit by the desire to create something meaningful for elderly people living alone.

We wanted to ensure their health and safety weren’t compromised, and that’s how “Raqib” was born.

But, oh, how the journey has unfolded since those early days!

Like many startups, we’ve navigated through various pivots — tweaking our product and exploring different market segments in search of that perfect product-market fit.

Over these seven years, we’ve learned a ton, especially about the challenges many organizations face in building their IoT solutions or leveraging IoT data for decision-making.

It’s become clear to us that nurturing talent is key.

The future of IoT hinges on our new generation of graduates being well-equipped with the necessary skills and tools.

To celebrate our journey and to gear up for the next exciting chapter, we’re rolling out something special.

From March 1 to March 31, 2024, we’re offering a whopping 50% discount on our 1-year Beginner Plan!

Just use the voucher code “FAV7YEARS” to snag this deal.

Discount Code — “FAV7YEARS” to get 50% Discount on Beginner Plan

And guess what?

You can use this code multiple times all the way through the end of March 2024.

Our Beginner Plan is pretty robust, offering unlimited devices, 10,000 API calls daily, extra dashboards, and loads more.

We’re pumped to see where your IoT journey takes you and are always here to support you.

Schedule an appointment with us if you’re looking for a Lifetime license (on-premise), which has an unlimited number of APIs per day.

Here’s to the next chapter in IoT innovation, and a huge thank you to you for being part of our story.

Poem: Whispers of Dawn in Kuala Lumpur City

My Travelogue Poem

Melting Pot Serenade

Photo by Muhammad Faiz Zulkeflee on Unsplash

In the glow of dawn, my dear Kuala Lumpur rises,

Bathed in soft hues, the city surprises.

A melting pot awakened under morning’s first light,

Cultures blend seamlessly, an inspiring sight.

Malay, Chinese, Indian, each greets the day,

In every smile, gesture, a shared way.

As the sun ascends, the city’s heart beats anew,

In every corner, every hue, unity we view.

Photo by Jayden Sim on Unsplash

Beneath Petronas Towers, morning’s first rays gleam,

Reflecting dreams and hopes, a collective esteem.

Sultan Abdul Samad’s silhouette against the sky,

Bears witness to history, as time goes by.

At sunrise, street vendors their delicacies prepare,

Aromas waft, inviting, a culinary affair.

As dusk falls, dining under a sky so vast,

In every flavor, the essence of Kuala Lumpur cast.

Photo by Kelvin Zyteng on Unsplash

Shops aglow at twilight, under a canopy of stars,

From day’s end to night’s start, the city never mars.

Treasures found, memories made in evening’s embrace,

In Kuala Lumpur’s markets, a multicultural trace.

Green spaces flourish in the day’s first and last light,

An urban oasis, morning and evening’s delight.

A serene interlude from the city’s rapid pace,

In gardens and parks, nature’s gentle face.

Photo by Kishor on Unsplash

Economic vitality pulses, from dawn till dusk,

In Kuala Lumpur’s fervor, a city robust.

As day transitions to night, ambitions soar,

In this metropolis, opportunities galore.

Cultural expressions flourish in the light of dawn and eve,

In art and performance, what we conceive.

The city’s soul in these moments, vividly unfurled,

In Kuala Lumpur’s canvas, a masterpiece world.

With connectivity that spans, as day shifts to night,

Kuala Lumpur stands resolute, a beacon of light.

A crossroads of the world, in every morning’s new start,

In every sunset, the city’s enduring heart.

So here I witness, in the light of dawn and dusk,

Kuala Lumpur, my pride, in tranquility and bustle, robust.

A jewel of Malaysia, in sunrise and sunset’s glow,

In every moment, every day, its beauty we bestow.

Photo by Eijat Darus on Unsplash

How To Simplify Your Final Year IoT Projects

The Challenges in Building University’s IoT Projects

Use this method to demonstrate a great IoT project.

Collect, Aggregate, and Visualise the IoT Project in a Rapid Manner

[Note: Click here to have FREE access to this member-only story]

Let me share a bit about my experience listening to the struggles faced by university students who have to tackle an IoT project for their final year.

It’s fascinating and a bit daunting, to be honest.

Most students get the gist of what IoT is capable of, but when it comes down to actually building their projects, they hit some real roadblocks.

The challenges of building an IoT project

First off, there’s the hardware side of things.

It’s not just about slapping together some components; it requires genuine electrical and electronics know-how, which not everyone has.

Then, there’s the programming aspect — getting the IoT device to do what you want, or setting up an app to make sense of the data.

And speaking of data, the third hurdle is figuring out how to collect it from the sensors, store it properly, and then pull it out again for useful stuff like dashboard visualizations or app functions.

These steps can eat up a ton of time, especially if you’re trying to do it all solo.

From what I’ve seen, a student working alone often ends up with a simpler demo, not because they lack ideas, but because of resource and skill limitations.

Funding and team projects

While some universities don’t provide any funding for these projects, others might give just enough to cobble together a basic IoT setup.

In contrast, when students work in teams, they can pool their resources and skills, often leading to a more sophisticated project outcome.

That’s why I think it’s smarter for students to play to their strengths.

If you’re good with hardware, focus on that; if you’re a whiz at coding or data analysis, make that your centerpiece.

And here’s a bit of advice: don’t sweat the middleware or setting up a server from scratch.

Platforms like Favoriot can be a real game-changer.

They simplify device onboarding, streamline data collection, and offer ready-made dashboard widgets for customization.

This approach can free students up to concentrate on what they do best, whether that’s engineering a neat piece of hardware or developing killer app functionality, leading to a more polished and impressive final project.

Check out the Free Favoriot IoT Plan for a test run on an IoT platform.

Poem: Backstage to Center Stage

Transforming from reserved to resilient.

Photo by 青 晨 on Unsplash

In my school days, a quiet shadow, I’d glide,

Amongst the crowds, yet always aside.

Words were my refuge, not people, I’d say,

In the realm of silence, I’d quietly stay.

With friends few, and whispers soft,

In my comfort zone, I’d loft.

A world so small, yet deep and vast,

Where time and thoughts would gently pass.

But life, it turns, it twists, it sways,

Led me down unexpected ways.

An academic’s path I chose to tread,

Speaking out loud, my growing dread.

Photo by Miguel Henriques on Unsplash

Lectures to give, students to meet,

My heart would race, skip every beat.

Yet, with each word, each presentation,

I found a new sense of elation.

Research papers, local and global stages,

Pushed me through my self-built cages.

Speaking of findings, sharing my quest,

In every conference, I’d give my best.

Still, social gatherings weren’t my flair,

In those moments, I’d gasp for air.

But change, it beckoned, with a force so strong,

Into the world of business, I was drawn.

An entrepreneur, with a vision new,

Meeting people, my network grew.

Pitches and deals, handshakes and smiles,

Traversing through countless miles.

In this new world, I found my voice,

In vibrant dialogues, I’d rejoice.

No longer the introvert in silent retreat,

But a speaker, a leader, never to defeat.

Photo by Hunters Race on Unsplash

Now I stand, transformed, renewed,

In social realms, no longer subdued.

The journey was long, the challenges vast,

But in the art of conversation, I’m cast.

From a quiet spirit to a vibrant soul,

In every interaction, I play a role.

No longer the shadow, but in the light,

Engaging, sharing, shining bright.

This is my story, a metamorphosis rare,

From solitude to a social flair.

A testament to growth, to change, to dare,

In the dance of life, I now take my share.

Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash

Check out my other poems:

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How Medium Shaped My Voice (A Poem)

Crafting Dreams

Photo by Chris Spiegl on Unsplash

Upon the vast and endless Medium stage,

I stood, a novice, at the very edge.

English, not my tongue, a barrier it seemed,

Yet, within me, a passionate writer dreamed.

My early words stumbled, fell flat, unrefined,

In the craft of language, I was nearly blind.

My articles, brief, lacking depth or flair,

Felt like echoes in an empty square.

Photo by Amador Loureiro on Unsplash

No readers lingered, no followers to find,

Just my lone voice, in the digital wind.

Comments, claps – they were nowhere in sight,

In the writers’ realm, I had yet to ignite.

But a spark within me refused to dim,

Against the tide, I learned to swim.

With every article, every line,

I saw my own progress, a gradual incline.

Photo by lilartsy on Unsplash

Medium’s writers, with open arms and minds,

Showed me that growth is what one finds.

They shared their knowledge, their art, their soul,

In their sea of words, I found my role.

I learned to craft headlines, to allure,

To weave my words, make my voice pure.

My grammar strengthened, my vocabulary grew,

In the language of Shakespeare, I found my cue.

Photo by Peter Olexa on Unsplash

From a shaky start, my confidence soared,

With each new piece, my spirit roared.

My followers increased, claps began to rain,

No longer did I write in vain.

In this community, I found my pace,

Each helpful tip, a warm embrace.

I am a writer, no longer in fear,

On Medium’s expanse, I steer my sphere.

Photo by Mikołaj on Unsplash

From a timid voice, now clear and strong,

I share my story, I belong.

My journey, a testament to perseverance,

In the world of words, I’ve found my resonance.

So here I am, in this vibrant throng,

Medium, the place where I belong.

With every word, I paint my dream,

On this vast canvas, I now gleam.

Let this poem be my heartfelt song,

A tribute to where I’ve come along.

For in this space, I’ve found my way,

In the heart of Medium, I will stay.

Photo by Ian Stauffer on Unsplash

Poem: Echoes of Perseverance

Melodies from Life’s Battleground

Photo by MI PHAM on Unsplash

In shadows of failure, I once dwelled in doubt,

A journey beset with the whispers of defeat,

Yet within my heart, a resilient shout,

Whispered of victories I had yet to meet.

I failed to walk, yet dreams beckoned me on,

Stumbling steps that faltered, yet grew strong,

With each fall, a resolve was redrawn,

In the symphony of struggle, I found my song.

Photo by Vitolda Klein on Unsplash

I could not run, nor leap towards the sky,

Gravity mocked, yet spirit soared high,

From the ashes of attempts, I learned to fly,

Winning championships, under triumph’s cry.

High school’s end came without acclaim,

Paths traditional, I could not claim,

Yet, within the embers, a persistent flame,

To enter university, rewriting my name.

Photo by Albert Vincent Wu on Unsplash

Years passed, and the right job eluded grasp,

Each rejection, a serpent’s venomous clasp,

Yet within me, a vision held tight clasp,

To forge my path, my future to unclasp.

From the echoes of ‘no,’ a new idea took wing,

Entrepreneurial dreams, to life I’d bring,

In the market’s harsh arena, I’d be king,

Creating success from each failing.

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

Failures many, like storms, did rage,

Yet each setback scripted wisdom’s page,

Resilience, my steadfast heritage,

Crafting from losses, a victorious stage.

For in each defeat, a lesson lay bare,

A stepping stone to reach somewhere,

With each misstep, I gathered rare,

Insights, turning despair to flair.

Photo by Marc Najera on Unsplash

Now I stand, where once I fell,

A tale of triumph, I live to tell,

From the depths of failure’s well,

I rose, in success’s sunlight to dwell.

This journey, marked by time’s relentless test,

Proves within us all, lies a quest,

To turn failures into a zest,

And in our darkest hours, find our best.

So let these words, a beacon be,

For those who in their struggles, seek to see,

That every loss bears the key,

To unlock success’s vast, boundless sea.