As someone who has spent decades navigating the academic world, corporate boardrooms, government agencies, and startup trenches, I’ve come to realise that what makes a person truly unique is not just one defining trait but a combination of mindset, experience, and passion.
It’s the signature blend of your past, values, and vision for the future.
Let me break it down through my own lens—through personal stories, reflections, and the questions I’ve asked myself.
1. The Journey You Choose (or Endure)
“Why did I move from academia to government, then to corporate, and finally to building my startup?”
Many thought I was indecisive. But I saw it differently. Each step gave me a new superpower.
- In academia, I learned how to think deeply and teach simply.
- In government, I saw how policy can impact innovation nationally.
- In corporate, I experienced the pace of execution and the demand for ROI.
- In startup life, I learned humility, agility, and how to survive with little but dream big.
Not everyone chooses this “multiverse” path, but embracing it made me unique. I carried lessons from each world into the next.
2. How You React to Failure
“Mazlan, you left a comfortable job to start something uncertain?”
Yes—and I failed more times than I can count. But here’s the thing: I never let failure define me. Instead, I documented, reflected, and shared.
Every rejection, every “no,” became fuel for the next attempt.
What’s unique is not that you fail but how you rise from it—with clarity, grace, and a story others can learn from.
3. Your Obsession
“You’re still talking about IoT after all these years?”
Absolutely. I eat, sleep, and breathe IoT—not because it’s trendy but because I believe it can change lives. Even now, I run FAVORIOT to democratise IoT and make it accessible for students, startups, and governments.
Obsession—when combined with purpose—is what sets someone apart. It’s the thing you can’t shut off. You read about it, dream about it, and keep pushing the boundaries.
That’s the heartbeat of uniqueness.
4. The Way You Communicate
I once blogged about gadgets. Then, I pivoted to writing about technology, leadership, and storytelling. Today, I use WordPress, LinkedIn, podcasts, and even TikTok to reach different audiences.
Why?
I realised that what makes my voice unique isn’t just my technical knowledge but how I simplify it, narrate it, and humanise it.
People don’t remember jargon. They remember stories, analogies, and emotions. If you can make someone say, “Now I get it,” you’ve done something special.
5. The Values You Don’t Compromise
I’ve had opportunities that promised more fame, money, or power throughout my career. But I always asked myself:
“Is this aligned with what I believe?”
I don’t play politics. I don’t sell out. I don’t cut corners. I treat my team like family, and I lead with empathy.
In a world of copy-paste personalities, your principles become your fingerprint.
6. What You Do When No One’s Watching
In my quiet moments, I read articles from new writers, reply to comments, and refine my writing. I write even when no one reads because consistency builds credibility.
“But no one reads your articles.”
I kept writing anyway. Until one day—people did.
Your uniqueness is often born in the shadows, when no one claps, shares, or notices.
And still—you show up.
7. How You Inspire Others
I don’t just want to build a business. I want to develop people.
That’s why I mentor students, share my lessons, and give talks—even to small audiences. That’s why I created FAVORIOT Academy—to train the next generation of IoT professionals.
You become unique by climbing the ladder and extending your hand to those below you.
8. Your Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
Even today, I explore new platforms, write new articles, and learn from people much younger than me.
“Why are you still experimenting?”
Curiosity is a fire that never retires. The moment you stop learning, you become static. I choose to evolve—even at 64.
Uniqueness comes from the courage to keep updating yourself and stay relevant not by age but by adaptability.
9. Your Ability to Connect Across Generations
I often speak to university students, young engineers, and even teenagers on TikTok. Some are surprised—“Dr. Mazlan, you’re on TikTok?”
Yes, and I love it.
If you can speak every generation’s language, whether through blog posts or memes, you become a bridge. That connection—not just knowledge—is what makes someone unforgettable.
10. How You Turn Passion Into Impact
I don’t work on IoT just to build cool gadgets. I do it to solve real problems, from smart agriculture to healthcare, education, and even energy management.
Passion becomes power when you channel it into something greater than yourself.
When your work serves others, your uniqueness becomes your legacy.
A Personal Formula
If you ask me to define what makes a person unique, I’d say:
Uniqueness = (Journey + Failure + Obsession + Voice + Values + Discipline + Impact + Curiosity + Communication + Empathy) x Authenticity
You don’t need to be the smartest or the loudest in the room.
You just need to be the most you.
So, find your intersection.
Share your scars.
Own your quirks.
Speak your truth.
The world doesn’t need another replica.
It needs your story—told your way.
“Mazlan, what makes you unique?”
I’d say it’s because I’m still learning, experimenting, and daring to dream… even after all these years.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 