“This is going to be a game-changer!”
That was the spark that ignited our journey. In 2017, we embarked on a mission to revolutionize the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape in Malaysia. Our first stride? Raqib—a wearable device designed to ensure the safety and health of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. It was more than just a product; it was a vision to provide peace of mind to individuals and their families during spiritual journeys.
KM 0–5: The Starting Line – Raqib’s Ambitious Launch
Launching Raqib felt like the exhilarating first kilometers of a marathon. The energy was high, the vision clear, and the team motivated. We believed in our product’s potential to make a significant impact. However, as with any long-distance race, the initial excitement soon gave way to unforeseen challenges.
KM 6–10: The First Hurdles – Technical Glitches and Market Realities
As we progressed, technical issues began to surface. The device faced unexpected glitches, and our marketing efforts didn’t yield the anticipated traction. It was a tough pill to swallow. But we weren’t ready to give up. We pivoted and introduced Favorsense, aiming to capture a different segment of the IoT market. Yet, despite our best efforts, it struggled to gain user interest.
“Where did we falter? What could we have done differently?” I often pondered during those challenging times.
KM 11–15: The Turning Point – Recognizing the Core Strength
Amidst these setbacks, a realization dawned upon us. The common thread between Raqib and Favorsense was the underlying platform that powered them. This platform, robust and versatile, had the potential to be more than just a backbone for our products. It could be the very product we needed to focus on.
I told the team, “This platform can be used by anyone who wants to develop their own IoT products. “
With renewed determination, we decided to pivot once more. We introduced the Favoriot IoT Platform to the public, offering it free to attract a broader audience. However, adoption was slower than expected. Despite creating tutorials and sharing resources, many users found it challenging to navigate the platform.
KM 16–20: Bridging the Gap – Introducing IoT Courses
Understanding the need for guidance, we launched IoT courses tailored to help users grasp the platform’s capabilities. These courses weren’t just about theory; they offered hands-on experience, enabling participants to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
The response was overwhelmingly positive. Universities and polytechnics across Malaysia began integrating the Favoriot IoT Platform into their curricula. Students utilised it for their final-year projects, bringing innovative ideas to life.
“This is a significant achievement for us,” I expressed pridefully.
KM 21–30: Expanding Horizons – Building Partnerships
As we continued our journey, we recognised the importance of collaboration. We partnered with system integrators and enterprises, offering our platform’s cloud-based and enterprise-based models. This flexibility allowed clients to choose solutions that best fit their needs, further solidifying Favoriot’s position in the market.
KM 31–40: Gaining Momentum – Recognition and Growth
Our efforts began to bear fruit. Favoriot was no longer an unknown name in the IoT landscape. Out of 9,375 users (as of January 27, 2025), 80% came from our own country—a milestone that filled me with pride.
“We did it,” I told my team with a sense of accomplishment. “We’ve proven that we can compete with global platforms and carve out our own space.”
KM 41–42.195: The Final Stretch – Looking Ahead
Today, the Favoriot IoT Platform is a testament to resilience and adaptability. The journey has been a marathon from its humble beginnings with Raqib to becoming a cornerstone in IoT education and development. We’ve learned that setbacks aren’t failures but opportunities to pivot and grow.
As we look ahead, our vision is to take the Favoriot IoT Platform beyond Malaysia, reaching global audiences and empowering the next generation of IoT innovators.
“This is just the beginning,” I remind the team. The marathon continues, and we’re ready for the next leg of the race.
So, Startup or Marathon?
Startup is a marathon.
But with Favoriot, it’s not just about enduring.
It’s about leading, creating, and building something that lasts beyond the race.
And here’s the truth no one tells you:
The real finish line is when others start running because you did.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 