Category: Uncategorized

Poem: Journeys of the Heart

Travel Poem

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

In lands afar, across the sea and sky,

I ventured forth, my spirit riding high.

Each distant shore, with stories all its own,

In every face, a new world was shown.

From cobblestone streets bathed in history’s light,

To towering peaks under the stars at night,

Each journey taken, a brushstroke on the soul,

Painting a picture that makes one whole.

Amongst ancient ruins, under foreign suns,

I walked where empires’ tales were spun.

In bustling markets, scents and sounds entwine,

A symphony of life, uniquely divine.

Photo by NEOM on Unsplash

Meeting eyes that spoke of untold tales,

In every smile, a friendship that prevails.

Language barriers, merely a thin veil,

Through genuine gestures, understanding would sail.

From the hush of deserts, vast and wide,

To verdant jungles, where mysteries reside,

Each landscape whispered secrets of its past,

In every moment, memories to last.

Learning cultures, rich and profound,

In every custom, common ground was found.

Dances, rituals, the pulse of life,

Amidst all differences, harmony was rife.

Breaking bread, in warmth and hospitality,

Shared human essence, transcending reality.

Seeing reflections of self in foreign eyes,

Realizing we share the same blue skies.

From icy fjords where silent waters speak,

To mountain villages, where peaks meet the meek,

Every sunset shared, a bond so deep,

In the tapestry of memory, woven to keep.

Through travels wide, understanding grew,

The beauty of diversity, ever true.

For every departure, an arrival within,

In the journey of life, we all kin.

So here’s to the roads, the seas, the skies,

To the endless horizons where our future lies.

May we carry the lessons from lands we roam,

And cherish them deeply, in the heart we call home.

Photo by Mesut Kaya on Unsplash

Poem: Chapters of the Heart – A Lifelong Love

A Poem of Love

Photo by Artur Tumasjan on Unsplash

In the halls of youth where our journeys began,

Among the echoes of laughter, a timeless tale ran.

From the first shared glance in a crowded room,

We nurtured a love that would endlessly bloom.

Through the scribbled notes and stolen looks,

We wrote our story, not found in books.

With every passing day, our bond grew strong,

In a world of our own, where we belonged.

From the rush of youth to the calm of age,

Our love was the constant, through every stage.

Through triumphs and trials, joy and despair,

Our hearts remained one, an inseparable pair.

In the golden years, with our hair turned gray,

We reminisced about that first day.

The spark that ignited, so bright and warm,

Survived every storm, every reform.

With hands intertwined, we walked the path,

Guided by love, no aftermath.

From the bloom of youth to the autumn of life,

We stood together, husband and wife.

Our children grew, with wings to soar,

Leaving echoes of laughter, memories galore.

And then came the day, a new chapter to start,

Grandchildren arrived, joy of our heart.

Photo by Jessica Hearn on Unsplash

In their eyes, we saw our past,

A love so profound, built to last.

Through their laughter, our legacy lived,

A testament to the love we always give.

Now here we sit, under the twilight sky,

Watching the stars, time passing by.

From the schoolyard days to the golden years,

Our journey was filled with shared cheers.

For in every wrinkle, every line,

Lies a memory, distinctly thine.

And as we gaze into the sunset, bright,

We know our love will endure the night.

So here’s to us, from start to end,

Lover, soulmate, and best friend.

From the moment we met, to our last breath,

Our love remains, beyond life, beyond death.

Photo by bennett tobias on Unsplash

Breakfast with Keropok Lekor

Malaysian traditional dish

This morning was a bit special, you know. I decided to kick off my day with something uniquely Malaysian – keropok lekor.

For those who might not know, it’s this amazing traditional snack from Terengganu.

It’s fish sausage, but not your average kind, made from fish paste mixed up with sago or tapioca flour.

They season it just right with salt and sugar before shaping it into these long, enticing rolls or even slicing it up, and then they deep-fry it till it’s perfectly golden brown.

So there I was, sitting at my kitchen table with this plate of keropok lekor in front of me.

I had mine fried because I absolutely love that crispy texture on the outside, but it still keeps that slightly chewy goodness on the inside.

And you can’t have keropok lekor without its trusty sidekick – the dipping sauce.

It’s this tangy, spicy, sweet concoction made from chili, vinegar, and sugar that just elevates the whole experience.

Eating it, I swear, you get this burst of flavors that’s just so satisfying, especially with the contrast of the crunchy outside and the chewy inside.

It’s not your typical breakfast, I’ll give you that, but man, it was a delightful change from the usual.

Plus, starting your day with something so flavorful really sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

And even though it’s traditionally a snack, I think keropok lekor can make any meal a bit more special.

Definitely a breakfast to remember! 😊

Poem: Undimmed by the Sun

Rising from Shadows

Photo by Spencer Goggin on Unsplash

In the heart of night, where shadows loom and falter,

A soul whispers to the stars, unyielding, never to alter.

From the depths of despair, where silence reigns supreme,

Emerges a spirit, emboldened, chasing a dream.

Through the tapestry of failures, a resilient thread is spun,

A narrative of courage, undimmed by the sun.

Each setback, a lesson; each fall, a rise anew,

A journey of becoming, a path only a few pursue.

Amidst the tempests of doubt, a steadfast ship sails,

Guided by a heart that believes, where reason pales.

The waves of adversity, fierce and unkind,

Forge a will of steel, a resilient mind.

From the ashes of defeat, a phoenix takes flight,

Soaring above the clouds, a beacon of light.

In the crucible of hardship, character is made,

A testament to perseverance, that never shall fade.

Braving the storms, undeterred by the night,

Embracing the struggles, with all might.

In every scar, a story of victory is told,

A testament to bravery, bold and bold.

The summit beckons, with promises of new views,

A realm of possibilities, where dreams ensue.

Photo by Gaurav K on Unsplash

Rising from the failures, a spirit reborn,

In the heart of hardship, a legend is born.

So march forth, intrepid soul, with hope as your guide,

Through the valleys of despair, with strides wide.

For in the end, it’s not the triumphs that we recall,

But the brave journey through hardships, standing tall.

Photo by Thomas Fryatt on Unsplash

Internet of Things (IoT) — Book Review by Mazlan Abbas

Internet of Things (IoT) — Book Review by Mazlan Abbas

Excellent IoT book for business professionals

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Where do I start with “Building the Internet of Things” by Maciej Kranz?

This book landed in my hands at a time when IoT was more of a buzzword to me than a clear-cut concept.

It was like finding a treasure map that promised to guide me through the maze of the Internet of Things.

Right off the bat, Kranz dives into the meat of IoT, not just skimming the surface with technical jargon that would fly over the heads of mere mortals like myself.

He’s talking business, strategy, and implementation, and my inner voice is like, “Finally, someone who gets it!”

The book isn’t just a handbook; it’s a narrative that spins around the potential of IoT in a language that speaks directly to business decision-makers.

You know, the ones who nod along in meetings but are secretly wondering how IoT fits into their quarterly plans.

Kranz has this way of breaking it down, making you realize the vast opportunities IoT brings to the table.

And there I was, thinking, “This is it. This is the blueprint to revolutionize our business.”

Kranz doesn’t stop at just selling you the dream.

He walks you through crafting a tangible IoT strategy that aligns with your company’s goals.

It’s not about jumping on the bandwagon; it’s about steering your ship with precision in the IoT sea.

The book made me pause and reflect, “Is my organization ready to embrace this? How can we not just participate but lead in this new frontier?”

The use-cases sprinkled throughout the book are like mini lightbulb moments. T

hey’re not just hypothetical scenarios but real-world applications that show the ripple effect of IoT.

It’s as if Kranz is saying, “See, this isn’t just theory. It’s happening, and here’s how you can be a part of it.”

And let’s talk about the security aspect.

In an era where data breaches are more common than I’d like to admit, Kranz doesn’t shy away from the nitty-gritty of securing your IoT infrastructure.

It’s reassuring, to say the least.

My inner skeptic was like, “Ah, finally someone who’s not glossing over the potential pitfalls.”

Reading this book felt like having a mentor guiding me through the IoT landscape.

It’s not just about understanding IoT but about leveraging it to drive tangible business outcomes.

“Building the Internet of Things” isn’t just a read; it’s an action plan that prompts you to get up and start integrating IoT into your strategy now, not tomorrow.

To anyone hovering on the edges of IoT, wondering how to dive in, or even the seasoned professional looking to deepen their understanding, this book is a beacon.

It’s like Kranz is right there, cheering you on, saying, “You’ve got this. Here’s how you can turn disruption into profit.”

In conclusion, “Building the Internet of Things” is not just another book on my shelf. It’s a playbook that I find myself returning to, each time uncovering new insights.

It has shaped my approach to IoT in business, and I can’t help but think,

“What would I have done without this gem?”

If you’re in IoT or considering it, do yourself a favor and give this book a read. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

Get this book “Building the Internet of Things” from Amazon (Note: Affiliate link)

Book reviewed by Mazlan Abbas.

What Slows Down the Smart Cities Implementations in Malaysia?

The Smart City Winning Formula

If we think budget is the main issue… think again…

Image created using Canva by Author

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Smart Cities….

Just saying it out loud has this futuristic vibe, doesn’t it?

Makes me picture this utopia where everything’s interconnected, efficient, and, well, smart.

I’ve been down this rabbit hole more times than I can count, dreaming up the endless possibilities.

But then, reality checks in, and boy, does it bring you back down to Earth with a thud.

Let’s chat about why it feels like we’re stuck in the mud when it comes to getting Smart City projects off the ground in some local councils or municipalities.

It’s like everyone’s excited to talk about the potential, but when it comes to action, it’s a whole different story.

The first roadblock?

Budget. Or rather, the lack of it. It’s the age-old problem, isn’t it? No money, no progress.

But who’s going to solve this puzzle?

It seems like a merry-go-round of pointing fingers and shrugging shoulders when it comes to planning and execution.

And let me tell you, it’s causing quite a bit of frustration among industry players and solution providers. They’re all dressed up with nowhere to go, so to speak.

After stewing over this for a while, a lightbulb moment happened. Maybe we’re approaching this all wrong.

Instead of getting hung up on the budget issue first, what if we focus on getting the right talent and expertise on board?

It’s like, solve this piece of the puzzle, and the rest will start falling into place.

Because, let’s be real, you need people who know their stuff to navigate through the complex web of Smart City projects.

Now, let’s take a step back and really look at what we’re up against.

Smart Cities aren’t just about slapping some tech onto old infrastructure. We’re talking smart traffic lights, environmental monitoring, river monitoring, waste management, smart parking… the list goes on.

These projects are complex and need a dedicated team to handle them.

Think about it.

Can the existing IT team, who previously were just managing the network and computers, suddenly morph into jack-of-all-trades handling these advanced projects?

It’s a bit of a stretch, isn’t it?

I mean, if massive corporations with their fancy Smart Building solutions need a specialized IT team, how can we expect a small municipal IT team to manage an entire city’s worth of smart solutions?

It’s pretty clear that the current setup in the councils isn’t cut out for this monumental task.

What we need is a revolution in the organizational structure, a specialized team whose sole focus is on making Smart Cities a reality, from planning and procurement to implementation, operations, and maintenance.

But here’s the kicker — how many local councils in Malaysia, or anywhere for that matter, have a dedicated Smart Cities Department?

If we’re still scratching our heads on that one, it’s high time for a change.

We need to rethink our approach and start building the foundations for these departments.

So, where does that leave us? Well, I’d like to end on a hopeful note.

The road to Smart Cities might be bumpy, filled with budget woes, and a bit of a logistical nightmare, but it’s not insurmountable.

With the right talent steering the ship, a clear focus, and a bit of restructuring, we can get there.

It’s about building smarter, not just dreaming about it.

Let’s start the conversation, rally the right people, and make those Smart City dreams a reality.

Because, at the end of the day, we’re all in this together, aiming for a future that’s a bit brighter, a bit smarter, and a whole lot more connected.

Feeling of Being Ghosted — After Pouring Heart and Soul in Project

Startup Journey Stories

What will you do if you encounter this?

Where do I even begin with this one?

Picture this: you’re all jazzed up about a potential partnership, right?

You’ve got this IoT solution that’s like the Swiss Army knife of tech solutions — versatile, innovative, the whole nine yards.

You dive headfirst into the deep end, doing your homework, crunching the numbers, and basically bending over backwards to tailor-make this solution architecture.

You’re talking pricing, materials, the works. And not just any materials, but the crème de la crème, sourced after what feels like a million discussions with various companies who, bless their hearts, took the time to entertain our endless queries.

So there we were, practically oozing optimism, dreaming about the hundreds of sites we were going to revolutionize in 2024.

And then, out of nowhere, radio silence.

Crickets.

Photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann on Unsplash

It’s like sending a text to your crush and watching that ‘read’ notification mock you without a reply.

So, what do I do? I chase them down, of course, because hey, maybe they’re just playing hard to get, right?

Wrong.

Cue the next meeting, where I’m hit with the kind of plot twist you’d expect from a telenovela.

Not only have they not decided to go ahead with us, but they’ve also got their eye on other solutions, and — get this — our meticulously crafted, bespoke solution apparently doesn’t meet their ‘standards.’ I mean, ouch.

Talk about a blow to the ego.

But here’s the kicker: there was zero feedback.

Nada.

It’s like our proposal was a free sample they snagged while window shopping. And that’s when it hit me — our proposal was probably used as a bargaining chip or, worse, handed over to their preferred partner on a silver platter.

Talk about feeling used.

Trust me, the frustration was real.

It’s one thing to lose out on a project, but it’s a whole other ballgame to feel like your hard work was just a means to an end for someone else’s negotiations.

It felt like our proposal was hijacked, and not in a cool, action-movie kind of way.

Photo by Jose P. Ortiz on Unsplash

So, what’s the moral of the story? I’ve learned the hard way that not all partners are created equal.

Trust is like that favorite hoodie of yours — comfortable, hard to find, and easy to lose. And once it’s gone, well, it’s pretty darn hard to get back.

The experience was a wake-up call.

Sure, it’s a bummer to realize that not everyone plays fair in the sandbox, but it’s also a reminder to guard your sandbox a little more carefully.

And maybe, just maybe, to not get too attached to potential partners until they’ve proven they’re not just in it for a free ride on your coattails.

So, to all the would-be partners out there, let’s keep it classy, shall we?

Because nobody likes feeling like they’ve been ghosted after pouring their heart and soul into a project.

Photo by Šimom Caban on Unsplash

Happy 7th Anniversary Favoriot!

Getting Older and Wiser

Here’s to Favoriot’s expansion into new markets, wisely navigating global challenges, and making a mark worldwide with its innovative solutions.

Happy 7th Anniversary FAVORIOT!

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I keep tossing this one question back and forth in my head: “Is FAVORIOT gonna keep the lights on for another year?”

It’s like, running a startup feels like being in a marathon with no clear finish line – just hills, mountains, and valleys for days.

Jumping into entrepreneurship, I honestly didn’t see the rollercoaster ride coming.

From the outside, you always hear about these startups going from zero to hero, hitting that IPO jackpot in just a few years. It’s all about the glory days, right?

You often catch stories about startup founders bagging millions in funding, scaling from a duo to hundreds, even thousands of employees, and then making it big internationally.

Those are the success tales.

But for every one of those, there’s a bunch that just… vanish.

They’re part of the grim 90% of startups that crash and burn each year.

Those stories? Not so loud.

FAVORIOT kicked off officially on February 20, 2017, but didn’t really get rolling until April 1, 2017, with just a few of us.

Since then, a lot of the original crew has moved on, replaced by fresh faces.

The past seven years have been a wild ride, to say the least.

Here’s the scoop:

1 — Starting with Zero Revenue – We went a whole year without making a dime, with our costs through the roof.

All because we were deep in the R&D phase, working on our “Raqib” product (an IoT thing for monitoring the elderly and Hajj pilgrims).

Then, just as we were ready to roll in 2019, COVID hit, and Malaysia’s Hajj got postponed for two years (2020–2021).

Just like that, all the money we’d poured into Raqib felt like it went down the drain.

2 — When No One’s Buying – In the early days, folks would come up to me all excited about IoT, wanting to collaborate but not really sure how.

But then, crickets.

No one actually wanted to buy. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to thinking, “Are they just here to pick my brain or what?”

3 — Turning Down IoT Training Initially – At first, we thought people could just learn IoT on their own with all the tutorials out there.

Boy, were we wrong.

We only started offering commercial IoT courses by the end of 2021, almost four years too late!

4 — From 20 to 8300 Users – It began with just a handful of folks interested in our IoT platform.

Now? We’ve got users from 121 countries.

Talk about growth!

5 — Branding Favoriot – Once upon a time, googling “Favoriot” would get you “Favorito.”

Now, we’re the first thing that pops up.

We’ve made a name for ourselves in Malaysia as an IoT startup.

By some miracle, we’ve managed to claw our way out of the dreaded “Valley of Death,” despite its gravity trying to pull us back in.

Moving Forward

Maybe it’s time to hit up investors again, look for new partners, or VCs.

Back in the day, we didn’t stand a chance without traction or customers.

Rejection was the name of the game, whether pitching to investors or trying to get into accelerators.

But now?

It feels like it’s time to open up Favoriot’s doors again, see if we can snag some VC funding or find a company interested in making IoT part of their business.

Happy 7th Anniversary, FAVORIOT.

Here’s hoping this year, and the years to come, are even better than the last.

“May every team member of Favoriot grow wiser with the company, enjoying personal and professional development that leads to collective success.”

A shoutout to our earliest customers, too. Without their trust, it would’ve been a much tougher sell for the rest.

And finally, to my friends who’ve always had my back, thank you. Your support means the world.

D.K.L.T.S — The Art of Selling

Discover — Know — Like — Trust — Sell (DKLTS)

Too Much Selling and You Chase Your Potential Customers Away — Let’s Do the Right Way!

D.K.L.T.S — The Art of Selling

I must confess — I’ve been down this road way too many times.

Every morning, as I’m driving to the office, there’s this little voice in my head going, “Hey, let’s get this show on the road, time to sell, sell, sell!”

It’s like I’ve got this inner salesperson that just can’t wait to throw our latest and greatest in front of anyone with a pulse.

But, if I’ve learned anything, it’s that slamming the pedal to the metal on selling from the get-go is like trying to sprint before you’ve even tied your shoes.

You’re just gonna trip.

That’s where D.K.L.T.S comes in, a neat little acronym that’s become my north star in navigating the social media selling galaxy.

1 — First up, “Discover.” This is all about letting your audience find you, kinda like laying out breadcrumbs for them to follow. No sales pitch here, just “Hey, look at this cool thing I know or did!” It’s like making a new friend at a party without immediately trying to sell them your grandma’s secret cookie recipe.

2 — Then, “Know.” This is where things get a bit more personal. You share your story, your why, and what makes you tick. It’s like letting them in on the secret handshake without asking for anything in return. They get to see the real you, not just the seller you.

3 — Moving on to “Like.” It’s all about building that relationship. Think of it like watering a plant; you gotta do it regularly, but not too much or you’ll drown it. Here, it’s about sharing values, interests, and maybe a laugh or two, making sure they know you’re not just another faceless seller.

4 — “Trust” is next. This is the big one. It’s where your audience goes, “Hey, this person really knows their stuff, and they’ve been consistent and genuine. Maybe I can trust them with my needs.” It’s like the moment in a friendship when you realize you can count on them to have your back.

5 — Finally, “Sell.” And only now do you bring out the goods. But it’s different, because by now, they’re not just buying a product or a service; they’re buying into you and what you stand for. It’s the culmination of all that hard work, like asking someone out after you’ve gotten to know them and they’ve hinted they might say yes.

And then?

You rinse and repeat.

But spending time on steps 1 to 4, that’s where the magic happens.

It’s tough, not gonna lie.

It takes time, patience, and a whole lot of creativity — things that are in short supply when you’re eager to make a quick buck.

But the truth is, skipping straight to selling is like proposing marriage on the first date. It’s too much, too soon.

Why do people skip ads on social media?

Because it feels like someone’s trying to sell them something right out of the gate.

But when you take the time to go through D.K.L.T.S., you’re not just selling; you’re creating a connection.

And that’s how you make selling on social media simple, or at least, simpler.

It’s not just about making a sale; it’s about making a relationship.

And who knows?

Maybe that’s the secret ingredient in grandma’s cookie recipe after all.

Advising Higher Institutions as an Industry Panel (Tech)

The Role of Industry Panel

Offering guidance to the academic sector

Image created using Canva by Author

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“The journey of education and technology is not about equipping with the past, but empowering for the future. It’s a commitment to ‘Innovate, iterate, integrate!’ in every aspect of learning.”

Over the last decade, I have assumed the role of an industrial expert offering guidance to the academic sector.

Envision this scenario: universities and colleges are genuine in their desire to spearhead technological advancements.

However, the practicalities of revising curricula and acquiring appropriate technological tools often present unexpected hurdles.

It appears they are keen to progress yet find themselves unprepared for the journey ahead.

Year after year, I sit at the table with esteemed academics, divulging industry insights, endeavoring to harmonize their educational offerings with the pulsating demands of the commercial sphere.

The mantra I mentally chant is “Innovate, iterate, integrate!”

The real triumph emerges when the concepts resonate with them, illuminating new possibilities.

“Empowering education with the latest technology is not just an investment in tools, but a pledge to future generations, ensuring they are not merely seekers of jobs but creators of opportunities.”

Nevertheless, the path is not without its challenges.

Funding does not always reach the necessary departments.

At times, entering some laboratories feels akin to traveling back to a bygone era, a stark reminder of the rapid pace at which technology evolves.

Propelling faculty to the forefront of modern technology is often a lofty aspiration, hampered by financial constraints.

The realm of IoT, for instance, is multifaceted, encompassing hardware, software, telecommunications, middleware, and application development.

Students require access to contemporary tools to engage meaningfully with their studies and not be left grappling with outdated equipment.

The pressure of final year projects can lead to a temptation to seek alternative means to complete their theses, a route that could compromise the integrity of their education.

The ultimate concern is the risk of producing graduates who are not viable candidates for employment within the industry. This outcome is precisely what we aim to avoid.

Thus, it is imperative that we elevate our efforts to ensure that the graduates we nurture are both competent and sought after in the professional world.

“Facing the rapid pace of technological evolution, the academic world must not only keep pace but leap ahead, ensuring graduates are not just prepared but are pioneers of the future.”