Eight years. It feels like a blink of an eye, yet when I reflect on the journey, every moment is etched in my memory like a battle scar.
It all started with an idea that many dismissed as too ambitious for a small startup in Malaysia. The Internet of Things (IoT) was gaining traction globally, but here? People barely understood its potential. I remember sitting with early team members, sketching out what would eventually become the blueprint of FAVORIOT.
“Will this work?” I asked myself.
“Will people even care?”
Doubt is a funny thing. It whispers in your ear, making you question every step. But the fire inside me was more substantial. I had spent decades in telecommunications and technology, seeing trends come and go. But IoT? It wasn’t just a trend—it was the future. And I wanted to be part of shaping that future.
The Birth of FAVORIOT (2017-2018): A Leap of Faith
In 2017, FAVORIOT was officially born. The name carried a mission—a combination of “Favour” (or “Favor”) and “IoT.” But it was pronounced like “Favourite”. Our vision was to help businesses and cities adopt IoT with ease. We weren’t just another tech company; we were a company built on the belief that technology should serve people, not the other way around.
I still kept the list of suggested names for the company and we insist to have the word “IoT” in it. It was funny to look back at the way we come out with the names
“Let’s build something that matters.” That was the mantra.
But building something from scratch? That was no walk in the park.
The early days were filled with sleepless nights, countless meetings, and an uphill battle convincing clients that IoT was more than just a buzzword. We had to prove ourselves. The first version of the FAVORIOT platform was launched, allowing businesses to connect and manage IoT devices seamlessly. The first product that used the FAVORIOT platform is “Raqib,” a senior care IoT solution.
The Struggle for Recognition (2019-2021): A Fight Against the Odds
If I said everything went smoothly, I’d be lying.
We faced rejections. So many rejections.
“We’re not ready for IoT.”
“We’ll consider it in the future.”
“Maybe if you were a bigger company, we’d trust your solution.”
Every “no” felt like a dagger. I had seen this before—how innovation is often met with resistance. But I also knew that persistence was key.
2019 was a turning point. We secured our first major clients, IoT developers started using FAVORIOT to build their IoT projects, and universities integrated our platform into their curricula. The momentum was building.
Then, 2020 happened. The world shut down.
The pandemic tested every business, including ours, for resilience. Projects were delayed, budgets were cut, and people were uncertain.
“Is this the end?” I wondered.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, crises often lead to opportunities. The demand for remote monitoring solutions skyrocketed. Suddenly, IoT wasn’t a luxury—it was a necessity. Businesses needed to track assets, monitor environments, and ensure safety without physical presence.
FAVORIOT became more relevant than ever.
Scaling Up (2022-2023): The Rise of the Global Partner Program
By 2022, we knew we had something special. Our IoT platform had matured. Companies across different industries—smart cities, agriculture, healthcare—were integrating our technology.
But one question remained: How do we scale?
The answer? Partnerships.
We launched the FAVORIOT Global Partner Program in 2024. Instead of knocking on doors one by one, we empowered system integrators worldwide to bring FAVORIOT into their markets. We started building an international presence from Canada to the Philippines, Indonesia to India.
Each new partner wasn’t just a business deal but a validation that what we built mattered beyond Malaysia.
2024-2025: A Vision for the Future
And now, here we are. Eight years in.
I look back and realize how far we’ve come—from a tiny startup with big dreams to an IoT platform trusted worldwide. But this is just the beginning.
The future of IoT is evolving, and so are we. AI-driven automation, advanced analytics, and even more seamless integrations are on the horizon.
FAVORIOT’s vision remains To make IoT accessible, scalable, and impactful.
Lessons from 8 Years of Favoriot
Eight years in business teaches you a lot. Some lessons were painful. Some were enlightening. But all were necessary.
1. Innovation Alone Isn’t Enough—You Need Grit
Having a great product means nothing if you give up too soon. The world doesn’t hand you success on a silver platter. You fight for it.
2. Relationships Matter More Than Sales
A business isn’t just about transactions. It’s about trust. Every client, partner, and investor who believed in us contributed to our success.
3. Adapt or Die
The pandemic taught us this the hard way. If we had been rigid in our approach, FAVORIOT wouldn’t have survived. Being flexible and embracing change is non-negotiable.
4. The Right Team Makes the Difference
A startup isn’t just about the founder. It’s about the people who share the vision and push through the most challenging days. I’m grateful for every team member who’s been part of this journey.
A Heartfelt Thank You
FAVORIOT’s journey isn’t just my story—it’s ours.
To the team, thank you for believing in this vision.
To our clients, thank you for trusting us.
To our partners, thank you for helping us expand.
To those who doubted us, thank you for pushing us to be better.
This anniversary isn’t just about celebrating the past—it’s about gearing up for the future. FAVORIOT is here to stay, and the best is yet to come.
Here’s to the next 8 years. And beyond.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 