Tag: Artificial Intelligence

The Internet: The Greatest Invention of My Lifetime

Looking back at how life used to be, it’s astonishing how much the internet has transformed the world.

The connection was slow, unreliable, and expensive when I first encountered it in the early 1990s. A dial-up modem would make its signature screeching sound as it struggled to connect, often cutting off if someone picked up the landline.

At the time, it felt like a luxury, but little did I know that it would soon become the backbone of modern civilization.

Before the Internet, access to information was tedious. If I needed references for research, I had to manually search through library card catalogues, flipping through hundreds of index cards just to locate a book or journal.

If the resource wasn’t available, I had to wait days—sometimes weeks—for an interlibrary loan. Once I finally got my hands on a journal article, the only way to keep a copy was to photocopy every page, hoping I didn’t miss a critical section.

Researchers were also challenging to reach. Since they didn’t have personal email addresses, the only way to contact them was through their university’s administration office, which meant waiting indefinitely for a response. I

nternational communication was equally challenging—long-distance calls were expensive, often requiring careful planning to avoid excessive charges.

Then the internet arrived, and the world we knew it changed forever.

1. The Digital Transformation of Knowledge

One of the internet’s most remarkable impacts is its revolutionized access to information. Instead of relying on physical books, libraries, or printed journals, knowledge is now just a few keystrokes away.

Search engines have replaced card catalogues, offering instant access to research papers, academic articles, and books. Online databases like Google Scholar and IEEE Xplore have made high-quality research available in seconds. What used to take weeks to obtain can now be accessed in mere moments.

Education has also evolved. Online courses, video tutorials, and digital textbooks have made learning more accessible. Whether university students attend virtual lectures or self-learners take free courses from top institutions, knowledge is no longer limited by geography or financial constraints.

Had the internet existed when I was a student, I imagine how much easier research and learning would have been. The barriers that once made education exclusive have now been dismantled, making knowledge a universal asset.

2. The Evolution of Communication

The way we connect with others has undergone a drastic transformation. In the past, international communication was slow and costly. Writing letters meant waiting weeks for a reply, and long-distance calls were prohibitively expensive.

Today, messaging apps and video conferencing tools have made global communication instant and nearly free. Emails replaced traditional mail, while WhatsApp, Zoom, and other platforms made real-time conversations possible across continents. What once required careful budgeting is now an everyday convenience.

Even within professional and academic circles, networking has become effortless. Researchers and experts are now accessible via email, LinkedIn, and social media, fostering faster collaborations and knowledge sharing. We no longer have to rely on university administrators to forward our inquiries.

It’s fascinating to think about how disconnected the world once was compared to today. Borders have blurred, and communication is no longer a privilege but an expectation.

3. The Rise of a Digital Economy

The internet improved communication, but it also reshaped business and work. Entire industries have been transformed, with traditional models giving way to digital platforms.

  • E-commerce has replaced physical stores, making shopping a seamless online experience.
  • Streaming services have overtaken CDs and DVDs, shifting entertainment into the digital realm.
  • Remote work and freelancing have allowed people to earn a living from anywhere, breaking the dependency on physical office spaces.

Even my own company, FAVORIOT, thrives because of the internet. Our IoT solutions depend on cloud-based platforms that enable real-time monitoring and automation. Smart cities, connected industries, and digital transformation would remain a distant dream without the Internet.

The shift from traditional to digital business models has created new job opportunities and redefined how work is done. The internet has empowered entrepreneurship, enabling individuals to launch businesses with minimal resources and a global reach.

4. The Internet of Things: From SMS to Smart Connectivity

Before widespread internet adoption, early machine-to-machine (M2M) communication relied on SMS. Utilities like electricity and water meters sent data via text messages—a slow and costly method.

With the advent of the internet, IoT has evolved dramatically. Devices now communicate through cloud platforms, enabling seamless automation and real-time analytics. IoT has unlocked once unimaginable capabilities, from smart homes that adjust to user preferences to industrial systems that optimize efficiency.

This transformation isn’t just about convenience—it has real-world applications in agriculture, healthcare, transportation, and urban planning. By integrating IoT with artificial intelligence, industries can optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve decision-making like never before.

The internet didn’t just connect people and machines, paving the way for a future where data-driven automation is the norm.

5. Challenges and Responsibilities in the Digital Age

Despite its many advantages, the internet has introduced new challenges. The rise of cybercrime, misinformation, and privacy concerns has raised questions about security and ethical responsibility.

  • Cybersecurity threats continue to grow, with hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in digital systems.
  • Misinformation spreads rapidly, making it harder to distinguish fact from fiction.
  • Data privacy concerns are more prominent than ever as companies collect vast amounts of personal information.

While the internet has democratized access to information and communication, it has also created a landscape where digital literacy and security awareness are essential. As technology evolves, society must adapt to ensure the internet remains a tool for progress rather than exploitation.

6. The Future of the Internet

What lies ahead for the internet? Connectivity continues to evolve, with advancements that promise to further reshape the digital landscape:

  • 5G and beyond will make internet speeds faster and more reliable.
  • AI-driven personalization will make digital interactions more intuitive and efficient.
  • Quantum computing may redefine encryption and security standards.
  • Decentralized systems (Web3) could shift power back to users, promoting greater data ownership.

As we move forward, the internet’s influence will only expand. The possibilities are endless, and its role in shaping future innovations is undeniable.

The Invention That Defined an Era

Reflecting on the past few decades, imagining life without the internet is hard. It has shaped my career, business, and daily interactions. The transformation is extraordinary from struggling with library catalogues to having unlimited knowledge at my fingertips, from expensive phone calls to instant global communication.

Had the internet never existed, we might still be waiting weeks for letters, manually searching for references, and relying on costly international calls. The convenience, accessibility, and opportunities it has created are immeasurable.

The internet didn’t just change how we live—it redefined the very fabric of society.

And for that reason, I firmly believe it is the greatest invention of my lifetime.

The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 7: The Task of Finding Favoriot’s First 10 Customers

They say the first real breakthrough for any startup is securing ten paying customers. It sounds simple, doesn’t it? Just ten. But the journey to reach that number felt like climbing Mount Everest—without oxygen.

I still remember the day we got our first paid Favoriot subscription. The notification popped up, and I felt a rush of disbelief. “We did it!” I shouted loud enough to startle a few birds outside the window. My team and I were ecstatic, high-fiving like we’d just won a championship. For a moment, it felt like the floodgates had opened.

But reality had other plans.

Why Is It So Difficult?

Late at night, I found myself lost in thought, asking the universe, “Why is it so hard?” Was our product not good enough? Did it fail to solve real problems? Was our pricing scaring people off? My brain became a broken record, playing these questions on a loop.

We tweaked the product, experimented with pricing models, and added new features. “This has to work,” I thought after every adjustment. But the results? Meh. Crickets.

Then, I started comparing Favoriot with other platforms like ThingSpeak and Blynk. “Why do they have so many users?” We even offered free subscriptions, thinking it would open the floodgates. However, only about 5% of free users converted to paid plans. While that conversion rate wasn’t terrible, it wouldn’t pay the bills either.

A New Strategy

“Maybe we’re looking at this all wrong,” I wondered during our team meetings. That’s when it hit me—what if we bundled Favoriot with something people already wanted?

So, we paired the Favoriot platform with our IoT courses. “Let’s give them value beyond just the platform,” I suggested. And guess what? It worked. Slowly but surely, interest grew. We weren’t just selling software anymore; we offered a learning journey.

But we didn’t stop there. We introduced the Enterprise Favoriot IoT platform with a perpetual license. This was a game-changer. System Integrators loved owning the platform outright without worrying about subscription renewals.

“This feels right,” I thought, cautiously optimistic. And for once, my optimism paid off.

Lessons Learned

This rollercoaster taught me a few things:

  1. Getting the first 10 customers is brutal. It’s like trying to push a car uphill with flat tyres. But every small win counts. “Celebrate the little victories,” I always tell my team.
  2. A great product isn’t enough. You can build the most advanced platform in the world, but if it doesn’t solve a real problem, it’s just digital clutter. “Understand your customers’ pain points,” I remind myself daily.
  3. Pricing is tricky. Too high, and you scare people off. Too low, and you undervalue your product. It’s a balancing act—like seasoning a dish just right.

Moving Forward

With the new Enterprise Favoriot IoT package, our confidence grew. “This is just the beginning,” I told my team. We’d faced countless challenges, but each one taught us something valuable.

Success doesn’t show up overnight with a bow on top. It demands persistence, creativity, and a healthy dose of stubbornness. We’ll keep refining, learning, and evolving. Because that’s what startups do—we adapt.

Hopes for the Future

When I reflect on our journey, pride wells up. “We didn’t give up,” I whisper to myself during quiet moments. Our story is far from over. In fact, it’s just getting interesting.

I dream of Favoriot becoming a leading IoT platform in Malaysia and globally. And I believe we’ll get there—not through luck, but through relentless effort and the unwavering support of people who believe in us.

To everyone who’s been part of our journey—thank you. “Without your support, we wouldn’t be here,” I say from the bottom of my heart.

Favoriot’s story is one of grit, growth, and endless possibilities.

More Entrepreneurship Stories

  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 Story Behind Favoriot – Part 5: Finding the Right Product Market Fit (PMF)

The Struggles No One Sees

I still remember how challenging it was to secure our first ten customers. Ironically, even though we initially offered the Favoriot Platform for free, it wasn’t easy to attract interest. Free should be irresistible, right? But it wasn’t.

I often sat at my desk, staring at my laptop late into the night, asking myself questions that gnawed at my confidence:

“Is all this effort going to be in vain?”
“What if the market doesn’t embrace the product we’ve poured our hearts into?”

These thoughts weren’t fleeting. They lingered, casting shadows over my team’s tireless days and nights dedicated to building Favoriot. I knew I couldn’t let them down. Their belief in this mission was unwavering, and as their leader, failure felt personal.

The Search for Traction

Market traction — a simple phrase with monumental weight. For startups, it’s the lifeline. Without it, even the most brilliant products fade into obscurity.

Our first strategy was to target individuals—university students, freelancers, and tech enthusiasts. I thought, “Surely, they’d be eager to experiment with our platform.” But reality hit hard. The response was underwhelming, to say the least.

So, we pivoted. “Maybe university lecturers will see the value,” I thought. They supervise students working on IoT projects; surely, Favoriot could be an asset in their toolkit.

Again, disappointment. The traction we hoped for didn’t materialize. That nagging anxiety crept back in. “What else can we do?” I kept asking myself.

Shifting Focus: From Individuals to Enterprises

Determined not to give up, we shifted our strategy. Instead of individuals, we approached companies and organizations directly. Businesses must see the potential, right?

Wrong.

Another hurdle emerged — most companies didn’t know how to utilize the platform effectively. It was as if we were speaking a language they hadn’t learned yet. “Are we too early to the market?” I wondered. Maybe the IoT landscape wasn’t mature enough in Malaysia at that time.

In the startup world, there’s a term: Product-Market Fit (PMF). It’s the sweet spot where your product perfectly aligns with market needs. Without PMF, even the best ideas crumble.

I knew this. And the pressure was immense.

The Breakthrough: Finding Our True Customers

But giving up wasn’t an option. We kept refining our approach, learning from every failed pitch and cold response.

Eventually, the breakthrough came.

We discovered that IoT System Integrators were our ideal customers. These were companies and individuals already offering IoT solutions to their clients. They didn’t just understand the value of our platform; they needed it to build scalable, customized IoT applications.

It felt like finding the missing piece of a puzzle. Suddenly, the conversations flowed more naturally, the demonstrations clicked, and the value proposition was crystal clear.

Tailoring the Offering: Cloud vs. Enterprise Models

With clarity came strategy. We introduced two models for the Favoriot Platform:

  1. Cloud-Based Model
    • Perfect for customers seeking flexibility and remote accessibility.
  2. Enterprise-Based Model
    • Designed for System Integrators wanting full control over their platforms, this model comes with a perpetual license and unlimited API access, eliminating the worry of high API costs that platforms like AWS or Azure often impose.

This dual approach worked. Favoriot finally carved out its space in the IoT ecosystem.

A Glimpse of Relief, A Promise to Evolve

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel relieved. But this wasn’t the finish line — far from it. The tech landscape evolves rapidly, and staying relevant requires continuous innovation.

Yet, this breakthrough gave me something invaluable: confidence. I felt confident that Favoriot had a future and that our journey, filled with detours and lessons, was leading somewhere meaningful.

What’s Next?

This isn’t the end of the story. Not even close.

In the next part, I’ll share how we expanded our customer base, the unexpected sectors that embraced Favoriot, and the strategies we used to win their hearts.

So, stay with me on this journey. Every step we take has a story—a story that might inspire those who are walking the challenging path of building something from nothing.

See you in the next chapter.

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

Who Will Lead the AI Race? Alibaba, DeepSeek, or OpenAI?

For years, the AI industry was dominated by Western tech giants like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft. If you wanted access to the most powerful AI models, you either had to pay a premium or rely on whatever limited open-source alternatives were available. But in the past year, China has emerged as a serious contender, with Alibaba’s Qwen 2.5-Max and DeepSeek’s AI models challenging OpenAI’s dominance.

With three major players now in the spotlight—OpenAI, Alibaba, and DeepSeek—the big question is: Who will have the biggest impact?

Alibaba’s Qwen 2.5-Max: The Biggest Game-Changer?

1. Open-Source Availability: AI for Everyone, Not Just Big Tech

Unlike OpenAI and DeepSeek, which still maintain some level of exclusivity, Alibaba has taken a bold approach—releasing over 100 models from the Qwen 2.5 family as open-source.

This move is significant because:

  • It allows smaller businesses, researchers, and developers to build AI-powered applications without massive budgets
  • It accelerates global AI innovation, reducing reliance on Western AI monopolies
  • It levels the playing field, as anyone can access and customize Qwen’s models

Meanwhile, OpenAI’s GPT-4 and GPT-4o remain closed-source, limiting their accessibility. DeepSeek has released open-source models, but their reach is still largely within China and research communities.

If Alibaba continues to expand its open-source offerings, it could fundamentally shift the AI industry, much like how Linux transformed software development.

2. Performance vs. Cost: Who’s Winning the AI Benchmark Battle?

Performance benchmarks suggest that Qwen 2.5-Max is outperforming both DeepSeek-V3 and OpenAI’s GPT-4 in various AI tasks—from handling complex queries to multilingual processing.

But cost-effectiveness matters just as much as raw power. DeepSeek’s AI models are designed to be highly efficient, making them cheaper to run. This could attract businesses looking for powerful AI solutions without excessive computational costs.

OpenAI remains the leader in brand recognition and market presence, but its pricing model remains a concern for many. If Alibaba or DeepSeek can offer similar capabilities at a lower price point, OpenAI may need to rethink its strategy.

3. Multilingual AI: Qwen 2.5-Max Breaks Language Barriers

Most AI models are English-centric, which limits accessibility for non-English speakers.

  • Qwen 2.5-Max supports 29 languages, making it one of the most globally accessible AI models.
  • DeepSeek’s reach outside China is still uncertain, though it has strong backing domestically.
  • OpenAI’s ChatGPT is still largely optimized for English, with limited performance improvements in non-English languages.

For businesses and governments in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, Alibaba’s multilingual AI could be a game-changer. The more localized an AI model is, the more valuable it becomes for regional markets.

4. Enterprise Adoption: Who’s Getting Integrated Faster?

It’s one thing to build a powerful AI model—it’s another thing to get real businesses to use it.

Alibaba’s Qwen AI models are already being adopted in industries like:

  • Automotive (for AI-powered driving assistants)
  • Banking (for financial analysis and chatbots)
  • Retail (for customer service and product recommendations)

DeepSeek, while innovative, lacks major enterprise partnerships outside research institutions. Meanwhile, OpenAI’s models are widely used in Western markets, but its expansion into Asia and emerging economies remains slower compared to Alibaba.

If Alibaba can secure more industry adoption, it could become the go-to AI provider in non-Western markets.

5. Competitive Pressure on OpenAI: A Wake-Up Call?

For the longest time, OpenAI had no real competition. But with Qwen and DeepSeek gaining traction, the AI race has become a lot more unpredictable.

  • OpenAI is now rushing to release GPT-4.5 or “O3” sooner than expected, likely in response to competition.
  • If OpenAI doesn’t adjust its pricing, accessibility, or model capabilities, it risks losing users to cheaper and more open alternatives.

This is a critical moment for OpenAI—does it continue with a closed, premium AI model, or does it shift towards more affordability and openness?

Final Verdict: Who Will Have the Biggest Impact?

Biggest Short-Term Impact → Alibaba’s Qwen 2.5-Max

Why? Open-source availability, multilingual AI, and real enterprise adoption make it the most widely accessible AI model right now.

Biggest Long-Term Disruptor → DeepSeek

Why? Its cost-effective, research-driven approach makes it a dark horse in this race. If it expands globally, it could seriously challenge OpenAI and Alibaba.

Most Stable Market Leader → OpenAI

Why? It still holds the largest brand recognition, but will need to adapt quickly to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.

What’s Next?

  • Will OpenAI lower its pricing to compete with Alibaba and DeepSeek?
  • Can DeepSeek expand beyond China and into global markets?
  • Will Alibaba continue its open-source strategy, or will it tighten access in the future?

No matter what happens, one thing is clear: The AI market is no longer dominated by just one company. And that’s good news for everyone.

The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 4: How Favoriot Became More Than Just an IoT Platform

I never planned for Favoriot to be more than just an internal tool.

Back when we first started developing the platform, it was purely out of necessity. We weren’t thinking about commercializing it. We just needed a reliable way to manage IoT data, and the existing platforms? They just didn’t cut it. Too rigid, too limited, and definitely not built with our specific needs in mind.

So, we decided to build our own.

I still remember that moment vividly—one of those late-night discussions with my team, fueled by frustration and too much coffee.

“Why are we wasting time forcing a square peg into a round hole?” I said. “Let’s just create something that actually works for us.”

And just like that, Favoriot was born.

At first, it was just for us—a solution to our own headaches. We never imagined it would one day be used by universities, students, or businesses. That wasn’t even on our radar. But then, something kept bothering me.

The Eye-Opener: Why Are We Using Foreign Platforms?

Every time I gave an IoT lecture at a university, I saw the same thing. Students were using foreign platforms like ThingSpeak and Blynk.

At first, I brushed it off. But then, it hit me—why were we relying so much on platforms from outside Malaysia? Didn’t we have something just as good, if not better?

That thought gnawed at me for weeks.

“We have this amazing platform,” I told my team. “Why aren’t we making it available to students and researchers here?”

The more I thought about it, the more sense it made. If we could offer Favoriot as a local alternative, students wouldn’t have to rely on foreign tools. So, I started introducing it in my lectures, offering free access to encourage students to use it in their projects.

I was optimistic. Maybe a little too optimistic.

The Harsh Reality: No One Was Interested

Despite our efforts, students weren’t biting. They continued using ThingSpeak and Blynk. I couldn’t figure it out.

“What are we doing wrong?” I asked myself.

Then it hit me—content.

Those platforms had an overwhelming amount of learning resources. Tutorials, YouTube videos, step-by-step guides. Everything a beginner needed was right at their fingertips.

Favoriot? Not so much.

It wasn’t that students didn’t want to use our platform; they just didn’t know how. Without accessible tutorials, they naturally gravitated toward platforms with a smoother learning curve.

That realization stung.

Taking Matters Into My Own Hands

At first, I thought, Maybe I can get students to create tutorial videos.

Wrong.

Most weren’t comfortable putting themselves out there as content creators. And honestly, I understood. It’s not easy to create educational content, especially when you’re just starting.

So, I made a decision.

“If no one else is going to do it, then I will.”

We started producing our own YouTube tutorials, pushing Favoriot on TikTok, and making the platform more accessible. It wasn’t easy, and it took time, but I knew it was the only way forward.

At first, progress was slow.

I had my doubts.

Is this even worth it? Are we just shouting into the void?

But I held on. If I’ve learned anything from this journey, it’s that persistence pays off.

The Turning Point: From Struggle to Recognition

Bit by bit, Favoriot started gaining traction. More students began using it, and word started to spread. But the real breakthrough? That came when external organizations started noticing us.

Suddenly, Favoriot wasn’t just an educational tool—it was being used in agriculture, industry, smart cities, and security systems.

I remember watching it all unfold, feeling both humbled and proud.

“Alhamdulillah,” I whispered. But deep down, I knew—this was just the beginning.

We didn’t stop there. We worked on differentiating Favoriot, adding unique features that platforms like ThingSpeak and Blynk didn’t offer. We weren’t just another IoT platform anymore. We were a better IoT platform.

What’s Next?

The journey hasn’t been easy. We’ve faced rejection, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. But every challenge has taught us something valuable.

And this story? It’s far from over.

In Part 5, I’ll dive deeper into the specific challenges we faced, the roadblocks we overcame, and the key moments that shaped Favoriot into what it is today.

The best is yet to come.

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

ChatGPT, CoPilot, Gemini, Grok, Perplexity, Claude & DeepSeek: Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a breakdown of the main features to help you decide which AI tool suits your needs:

1️⃣ ChatGPT (OpenAI)

✅ Versatile and reliable: Perfect for writing tasks, explaining technical concepts, and generating or debugging code.

✅ Supports multiple languages: Works well even in non-English languages, including Malay.

✅ Developer-friendly: Offers a stable API, making it ideal for building applications with AI capabilities.

❌ Paid plans for heavy use: A subscription is required to unlock more advanced features or handle large-scale tasks.

2️⃣ Gemini (Google, formerly Bard)

✅ Live search integration: It’s directly connected to Google Search, making it great for delivering the most up-to-date information.

✅ Fact-focused: Excels at answering general knowledge questions and providing factual details.

❌ Context sensitivity can be inconsistent: Sometimes, struggles to grasp complex or nuanced questions fully.

3️⃣ CoPilot (Microsoft, powered by GPT-4 Turbo)

✅ Productivity-focused: Fully integrated with Microsoft Office tools like Word and Excel, making it a powerful assistant for work-related tasks.

✅ Seamless Windows integration: An excellent choice for Windows users who need AI within their workflow.

❌ Access requirements: You’ll need a Microsoft account; in some cases, access may be restricted to specific users or organisations.

4️⃣ Grok (X, by Elon Musk)

✅ Social media-savvy: Specially designed for users of X (formerly Twitter), offering features to analyse and follow social media trends.

✅ Trend-aware: Focuses on staying current with the latest online conversations.

❌ Still evolving: As a relatively new tool, it lacks the maturity and extensive testing of more established platforms.

5️⃣ DeepSeek AI

✅ Specialist in technical fields: Excellent for research, coding, and solving complex mathematical problems.

✅ Completely free: A budget-friendly option for students, researchers, or anyone exploring technical AI applications.

❌ Limited advanced features: Compared to tools like ChatGPT or Gemini, it doesn’t offer comprehensive capabilities or integrations yet.

6️⃣ Perplexity AI

✅ Great for fact-checking: It can reference the internet in real-time, making it highly effective for quick research or verifying information.

✅ Focused research tool: Handy for researching specific topics and finding credible sources.

❌ Can lack deeper understanding: Tends to compile data rather than analyse or interpret it meaningfully.

7️⃣ Claude (Anthropic)

✅ Contextually intelligent: Known for its ability to generate high-quality text and clearly understand the context in conversations.

✅ Safe and ethical: Less prone to producing harmful, biased, or inaccurate content, making it a reliable option.

❌ Less recognition locally: Not as widely known or used in Malaysia, though its features are robust and competitive.

How to Choose the Right AI for Your Needs

  •  For writing, coding, or creative projects, → Go for ChatGPT or Claude for their depth and versatility.
  •  If you need real-time information or up-to-date research, → Consider Gemini or Perplexity.
  •  To boost productivity at work with office tools, → Use CoPilot, which works seamlessly with Microsoft applications.
  •  Social media enthusiasts → Try Grok, designed to help navigate trends on X (Twitter).
  •  For technical problem-solving or coding on a budget, → Choose DeepSeek AI.

Each tool has unique strengths, so the choice depends on your specific use case and preferences.

Why Building AI and IoT Products Locally Can Save a Country

The appearance of DeepSeek, which shook the world, taught us an important lesson — technology sovereignty.

Have you ever wondered why some countries have more control over their technology and future? It’s not magic.

They’ve invested time and effort in developing their technologies, especially in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).

These two areas are no longer just fancy buzzwords – they are the backbone of modern nations.

Let me explain why building these technologies locally is essential and could be a real game-changer for any country.

Keeping Our Data Safe

Think about how much data is collected daily – from your smartwatches, smartphones, traffic cameras, and building sensors. All of this data tells a story about us, about our country.

If this data goes to foreign companies, they control it, not us. That’s scary, right?

When we build AI and IoT products locally, we keep our data within our borders. We don’t have to rely on someone else to store or protect it.

This means we reduce the chances of our information falling into the wrong hands. It’s like having your valuables locked in your safe rather than someone else’s.

Protecting Our Security

Imagine if someone could hack into your country’s power grid or water supply.

What happens then? Chaos.

That’s why it’s essential to have secure technologies. When we depend on foreign-made systems, we give our critical infrastructure to them.

Local AI and IoT solutions can protect public transportation, hospitals, and defence systems. It’s like building a strong fortress – we control who gets in and out.

Creating Jobs and Boosting the Economy

Here’s the fun part – when we make our own AI and IoT products, we create jobs.

Think about all the engineers, researchers, factory workers, and even marketers involved in these projects.

Big companies like Google invest billions in countries like Malaysia to help build these technologies locally.

Google’s recent investment is expected to create over 26,000 jobs in Malaysia alone. Imagine what we can do if we take the lead ourselves!

Making Technology That Fits Us

Sometimes imported technology doesn’t work well for us because it wasn’t designed with our needs in mind.

For example, an IoT system designed for a cold country might not work perfectly in Malaysia’s tropical climate, or an AI chatbot might not understand our local languages or culture.

When we create our products, we can ensure they are right for us. We can design innovative farming tools for our crops, smart city systems for our traffic, and AI systems that understand Malay and other local languages.

Staying Strong During Global Tensions

Let’s be honest – the world is full of political tensions. Trade wars and sanctions can disrupt access to foreign technologies. I

f we rely too much on others, what happens when they suddenly pull the plug?

By building our own AI and IoT, we ensure that our systems continue running no matter what happens in the rest of the world. It’s like growing your food instead of relying on someone else’s farm.

Saving Money in the Long Run

When we use foreign technologies, we often have to pay licensing fees or deal with high costs.

Local solutions cut out the middleman, making things cheaper for businesses and citizens.

Plus, the money stays in the country, helping our economy grow further.

Empowering Our People

One of the most inspiring parts of building local technologies is how they empower our people. It gives our youth opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects without having to leave the country.

It also encourages entrepreneurship, where anyone with a good idea can start their own business.

We’ve seen how tech-savvy countries like China and India are building their systems and becoming global leaders.

Why can’t we do the same? We have the talent; we need the vision and support.

Keeping Control Over Our Culture

AI and IoT shape how we live, work, and even think. If these technologies come from other countries, they might not reflect our values and culture.

Building our systems means ensuring they align with what’s important to us as a nation.

For example, we can develop AI systems that promote our local heritage, preserve our languages, and respect our cultural norms.

It’s about staying true to who we are while moving forward.

A Future We Control

Building AI and IoT products locally is about one thing – control. It’s about taking charge of our future rather than leaving it in someone else’s hands. It’s about ensuring that our technology serves us and not vice versa.

Countries like Malaysia are already taking steps in this direction with investments in AI parks and national AI offices. But this is just the beginning. With the right mindset, resources, and determination, we can become leaders in this space.

So, the next time someone asks why local AI and IoT matter, remember – it’s not just about technology.

It’s about independence, security, and building a future we can be proud of.

Top AI Tools for 2025: Boosting Efficiency Across Various Domains

AI tools have become essential to personal and professional workflows, helping automate tasks, enhance creativity, and improve productivity. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most valuable AI tools for 2025 across different categories and why they matter:

[Credit to Pradeep]

1. YouTube Tools

Tools like Steve AI, TubeBuddy, and Eighthify assist content creators with video editing, optimisation, and analytics. These are crucial for streamlining content production and boosting audience engagement on YouTube.

2. Sales Tools

Platforms such as Lavendar, Twain, and Simplified make sales outreach more personalised and efficient. They provide insights and automation to close deals faster and enhance customer relationships.

3. Productivity Tools

Apps like Bardeen AI, ChartGPT, and Scholarly help manage tasks, conduct research, and increase overall efficiency. These tools are essential for individuals juggling multiple responsibilities.

4. Music Tools

AI tools like Amper, Jukedeck, and Boomy enable music creation and editing, making them valuable for artists, content creators, and marketers looking for custom soundtracks.

5. Writing Tools

Jasper AI, Writesonic, and Quillbot simplify content creation with grammar corrections, paraphrasing, and idea generation, making them indispensable for writers and bloggers.

6. Coding Tools

Platforms such as GitHub Copilot, Deepcode, and Replit help developers write and debug code efficiently. These tools save time and improve code quality for software engineers.

7. Chatbot Tools

Tools like Cohere, Yatterplus, and GPTBuddy enable businesses to create intelligent chatbots for improved customer service and engagement.

8. Daily Life Tools

Apps like Notion AI and Taskade simplify task management and daily organisation, helping individuals stay on top of their schedules and projects.

9. Content Creation Tools

Tools like Tome AI and Beautiful AI aid in creating visually appealing presentations and multimedia content, which is crucial for marketing and storytelling.

10. Twitter Tools

Platforms such as Postwise, Tweet Hunter, and TribeScaler are designed to optimise Twitter engagement, making them perfect for influencers and marketers.

11. Image Tools

Tools like StockIMG, MidJourney, and Microsoft Designer offer quick and creative solutions for generating and editing images, perfect for designers and marketers.

12. Chrome Extensions

Extensions, like Compose AI, Voila AI, and FinalScout, add functionalities like email drafting and lead generation, directly improving browser productivity.

Why These Tools Matter

AI tools transform our work by automating repetitive tasks, offering creative assistance, and optimising productivity. Whether you’re a content creator, developer, or entrepreneur, integrating these tools into your workflow can save time, enhance quality, and give you a competitive edge.

These tools showcase how AI continues to bridge the gap between manual effort and technological innovation, making 2025 a promising year for leveraging AI-driven solutions.

DeepSeek vs NVDIA: How China Build Their AI Sovereignty

The recent developments in the global technology landscape highlight a pressing need for countries and organisations to rethink their dependency on external technologies. NVIDIA’s staggering loss of $432 billion in market value in just a single day, driven by the rise of the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, serves as a cautionary tale. DeepSeek’s disruptive advancements have shaken the foundations of major American tech companies and caused ripples across the global market, wiping out over $2 trillion in value.

But what does this mean for us as a society? These events are not just numbers—they are lessons that underline the importance of building our own technology capabilities.

The Reality of Dependency

When nations or industries heavily rely on external technologies, they place themselves vulnerable. The case of NVIDIA illustrates how a single external factor—a competitor with disruptive innovations—can lead to catastrophic consequences.

DeepSeek’s ability to replicate advanced AI technologies like ChatGPT with just a fraction of the cost and resources is a prime example of what can happen when a new player enters the game.

The dominance of companies like OpenAI, which spends over $100 million to train an AI model, has been disrupted by DeepSeek’s efficient model, built for just $6 million.

This highlights a glaring issue: while reliance on established tech giants may seem convenient, it can be detrimental in the long term if alternatives arise or access is restricted.

The Geopolitical Factor

Geopolitics often plays a significant role in accessing technology. Restrictions, sanctions, and bans are too common in the tech industry as countries compete to maintain dominance.

Relying solely on foreign technology means being at the mercy of these geopolitical dynamics. A single ban can halt progress, cripple industries, and leave entire sectors scrambling for alternatives.

The Lesson from DeepSeek

DeepSeek’s rise is an excellent example of how investing in local talent and resources can lead to groundbreaking achievements. By developing their technology independently, they have challenged global leaders and shown the world that innovation does not require exorbitant budgets.

This should inspire others to invest in homegrown talent and create ecosystems that encourage innovation.

The Role of Governments and Businesses

To avoid over-reliance on external technologies, governments and businesses must:

  1. Invest in R&D: Encourage research and development in cutting-edge technologies, providing grants and incentives to innovators.
  2. Build Talent Pipelines: Develop educational programmes focusing on future technologies like AI, IoT, and robotics.
  3. Collaborate Locally: Foster collaborations between universities, startups, and industries to drive innovation.
  4. Strengthen Infrastructure: Create an ecosystem that supports tech development, from affordable cloud services to secure data centres.

A Call for Technological Sovereignty

Technological sovereignty is not about isolating oneself from global advancements but about ensuring resilience and independence.

By reducing dependency on external technologies, we can safeguard against disruptions caused by bans, restrictions, or competitive threats.

Conclusion

The world is changing rapidly, and the recent events surrounding NVIDIA, DeepSeek, and the broader tech market highlight an essential truth: relying solely on external technologies is a risk we cannot afford to take.

The solution lies in fostering a culture of innovation, investing in local talent, and building resilient ecosystems that can withstand global disruptions.

The future belongs to those who can adapt, innovate, and lead.

It’s time to take control of our technological destiny.

The question is: are we ready?

Living with AGI in 2030: How Everything Changed

ARTIFICIAL GENERAL INTELLIGENCE (AGI) REVOLUTION

An imaginary future

Image created by ChatGPT

I never thought I’d see the day. Artificial General Intelligence — or AGI as everyone calls it — is now part of everyday life. Back in the 2020s, it felt like something out of a movie.

You’d hear tech people throw around terms like “superintelligence,” and I’d nod along, not understanding.

But now? I’m living it.

And let me tell you, it’s not what I expected — it’s better.

“AGI? What’s That?”

I still remember the first time I heard about AGI hitting the scene.

It was all over the news: “AGI has arrived!” My first thought? Here we go, another overhyped tech buzzword.

It was just another fancy update to those voice assistants who could barely understand me half the time.

But then, over the next few weeks, things started to change—real change.

Hospitals began announcing breakthroughs, governments were talking about smarter cities, and my neighbours were raving about how AGI was making their lives easier.

Mornings Made Simple

Fast forward to today, and AGI is part of my daily routine.

Every morning, my assistant, let’s call it “Genie,” greets me like a friend who knows me a little too well.

“Good morning, Mazlan! You didn’t sleep well last night — should I push your 9 a.m. meeting to the afternoon?”

I blink at my screen, barely awake. How does it know? Then I glance at my smartwatch, which has been tracking my sleep patterns.

Of course, Genie knows. It’s connected to everything — my watch, calendar, even the temperature of my bedroom.

“Yes, please,” I mumble, still groggy.

Genie’s not just a glorified organiser. It gets me.

If I’m feeling stressed, it suggests a quick meditation.

If I’m on a productivity streak, it lines up tasks so I can breeze through them.

It’s like having a personal assistant, life coach, and best friend rolled into one.

“Wait, My Health Is in Check?”

The biggest game-changer for me has been healthcare.

I’ve always been terrible about going to the doctor.

Who has the time? But now, I don’t need to. Genie monitors everything — heart rate, blood pressure, you name it.

Last year, it flagged something unusual with my heartbeat. “It’s probably nothing,” I thought, but Genie insisted I schedule a virtual check-up.

It turns out it wasn’t anything. The doctor said it could’ve turned into something serious if we hadn’t caught it early.

It’s weird, isn’t it? A piece of tech cared about my health more than I did.

And now, I don’t take it for granted. Knowing Genie’s got my back — even for things I can’t see — makes me feel safer.

My Kids Are Thriving

The way my kids learn now blows my mind. Back in school, it was all about memorising facts and fitting them into one-size-fits-all lessons.

But for my kids? AGI creates lessons tailored to them.

My youngest is obsessed with space. She’s learning everything from the physics of black holes to the history of space exploration—all in exciting ways.

The other day, she asked me, “Dad, did you know a black hole can ‘spaghettify’ a star?”

“Uh, sure,” I said, pretending to know what she was talking about. But inside, I was amazed. She’s learning things I didn’t even know existed at her age and loving it.

Cities That Work for Us

Even the city feels different now.

Remember those awful traffic jams? Gone. AGI manages the flow of self-driving cars so perfectly that I haven’t been stuck in traffic in years.

Buses, trains, even bikes — all move like clockwork.

And energy? Thanks to AGI’s smart grids, my house runs entirely on renewable power. I don’t even think about electricity bills anymore.

Genie ensures everything is efficient.

One day, I asked, “Why haven’t we had a blackout in years?”

Genie replied, “Because every kilowatt of energy is optimised, Mazlan.”

I didn’t fully understand the science, but I got the point: AGI handles things so well that I don’t have to worry about them.

Rediscovering What Matters

Here’s the surprising part: I’ve rediscovered things I’d forgotten about with AGI taking care of so much.

Like playing my guitar, I used to love strumming Bee Gees songs, but life got in the way. Now, I have time to pick it up again.

And it’s not just me.

My neighbour, a retired engineer, has started painting landscapes. Another friend is finally writing the book he’s been talking about for years. It’s like we’ve all been permitted to dream again.

Not Everything’s Perfect

Of course, not everything about AGI is sunshine and rainbows.

Some people are still trying to figure out who controls it. “What if it gets misused?” they ask. It’s a valid question.

I’ve even joined a few local forums to discuss how AGI should be managed.

“Do you think AGI could ever take over?” I asked a tech-savvy friend recently.

“Only if we let it,” he replied. “That’s why we need to stay involved.”

It’s reassuring to know that while AGI is brilliant, the big decisions still rest with us.

Looking Ahead

As I sit here, writing this on my porch, I can’t help but feel grateful. AGI hasn’t just made life easier — it’s reminded us what it means to be human.

We’re no longer drowning in mundane tasks or endless stress. We have real-time time to connect, create, and enjoy life.

Life in 2030 isn’t perfect, but it feels like a step in the right direction.

For the first time in a long time, I’m excited about what’s next. And that is the greatest gift AGI has given us: hope for the future.