In a world that’s spinning fast, We’re building dreams that are built to last, Favoriot’s here, in the leading cast, Innovation’s sail, we’re raising the mast.
(Pre-Chorus) Connecting dots in a seamless flow, Smart cities glow, as we grow, Together we forge a future so bright, In every device, there’s a spark of light.
(Chorus) Favoriot, where dreams take flight, Turning ideas into reality, overnight, In every chip and every byte, We’re the pulse of innovation, shining bright.
(Verse 2) From homes to streets that smartly speak, Solutions bold, and technology sleek, Every sensor’s tale, uniquely chic, Empowering the strong, supporting the weak.
(Bridge) Raise your hands, feel the IoT beat, From the valleys high to the urban street, Every heartbeat synced in harmony, Favoriot’s rhythm sets us free.
(Chorus) Favoriot, where dreams take flight, Turning ideas into reality, overnight, In every chip and every byte, We’re the pulse of innovation, shining bright.
(Outro) So here’s to the future, let’s innovate, With Favoriot, it’s never too late, To change the world, to create the new, Together, there’s nothing we can’t do.
I often reflect on how my journey in the tech world began, and I am amazed at how far I’ve come. I hope my story will inspire others to start from scratch, just as I did.
My name is Mazlan Abbas, and this is my story of rising from unknown to recognized influencer in IoT and smart cities.
The Beginning
I was born on January 23, 1961, in Malaysia. My fascination with technology started early, fueled by a love for science fiction novels, DC Comics, and childhood cartoons like ‘The Jetsons’ and ‘Land of the Giants.’
Captivated by the possibilities of the future, I dreamed of becoming a scientist.
However, dreams are just the beginning; the real journey lies in turning them into reality.
I enjoyed playing the guitar and singing Bee Gees songs as a child.
Sports, particularly badminton, were also a big part of my life.
But it was my passion for technology that ultimately defined my career path. I pursued my Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (BEE) with First Class Honours from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in 1984, followed by a Master of Science (MSc) in Telematics from the University of Essex, UK, in 1986. I later earned my Ph.D. in Telecommunications from UTM in 1993.
Stepping into the Professional World
After completing my studies, I entered the telecom industry, starting with CELCOM Axiata. My career spanned various significant roles, including Senior Director at MIMOS Berhad and CEO of REDtone IoT. Eventually, I co-founded and became CEO of FAVORIOT Sdn Bhd. FAVORIOT focuses on IoT solutions, and it was here that my journey as an influencer truly began.
But let me tell you, becoming an influencer didn’t happen overnight. It required a strategic approach, perseverance, and a lot of learning along the way.
The Power of Blogging
One of the first steps I took towards building my influence was through blogging. I started with a simple blog on Blogspot, sharing insights about gadgets. It was a modest beginning, allowing me to express my thoughts and connect with like-minded individuals.
I later transitioned to a more personal blog, writing in Malay and English, and eventually created IoT World to focus on the Internet of Things. Moving to WordPress and Medium, I joined the Medium Partner Program in September 2023.
Blogging was more than just writing articles; it was about sharing my passion and knowledge with a broader audience. It was about creating a space where I could discuss the latest trends in IoT, share my experiences, and offer valuable insights to others.
Embracing Social Media
“How do I reach more people?” I often asked myself. The answer was social media. I realized I needed to be where the conversations were happening to have a significant impact.
I started with LinkedIn, a platform ideal for professional networking and sharing industry insights. I gradually built a strong presence by consistently posting articles, sharing updates about my work, and engaging with other professionals.
LinkedIn became my primary platform for connecting with peers, potential collaborators, and industry leaders.
Twitter was another game-changer.
Its fast-paced environment allowed me to share quick updates and thoughts and engage in real-time conversations. It is an excellent tool for staying updated with the latest trends and connecting with a global audience.
“How can I make my tweets more engaging?” I would often ponder.
The key was to be authentic, timely, and relevant.
Leveraging Visual Content
Understanding the power of visual content, I ventured into Instagram and YouTube. Instagram allowed me to share glimpses of my professional life, events, and behind-the-scenes moments at FAVORIOT.
It was a platform where I could be more personal and connect with my audience on a different level.
YouTube, on the other hand, was perfect for sharing in-depth content.
I started creating videos about IoT, smart cities, and technology trends. These videos provided a platform to delve deeper into topics, share presentations, and even host interviews with other experts.
“What topics would resonate most with my audience?” I would ask myself before creating content.
The goal was always to provide value and educate my viewers.
TikTok: Reaching the Younger Audience
One platform that I was initially hesitant about but eventually embraced was TikTok. Known for its younger demographic and short-form videos, it is an opportunity to inspire the next generation. I started creating educational videos, breaking complex IoT concepts into easily digestible content.
“How can I make this fun and informative?” was a question that guided my TikTok strategy.
The response was overwhelming.
TikTok allowed me to reach a demographic that needed to be easier to engage.
It was not just about teaching but also about inspiring young minds to explore the world of technology.
Engaging with the Community
Building an online presence is not just about posting content; it’s about engaging with the community. I made it a point to respond to comments, participate in discussions, and attend virtual events. This engagement helped build a loyal following and fostered a sense of community.
“How can I add value to my audience’s lives?” This question was at the core of my engagement strategy.
Every interaction mattered whether I answered a query, provided advice, or acknowledged a comment.
Public Speaking and Conferences
Being a frequent speaker at major conferences also significantly impacted my journey.
These platforms allowed me to share my knowledge, network with industry leaders, and establish myself as a thought leader.
Each speaking engagement allowed me to showcase my expertise and connect with a broader audience.
Writing and Publications
In addition to blogging and social media, writing books and contributing to publications helped solidify my reputation. I authored eBooks like ‘IoT Notes’ and ‘Your IoT Journey,’ sharing my experiences and insights with a broader audience.
These publications were a testament to my expertise and commitment to the field.
Podcasts: “Jom Pakai IoT” and “Startup IoT”
Recognizing the growing popularity of podcasts, I decided to venture into this medium to reach even more people. I launched two podcasts, “Jom Pakai IoT” and “Startup IoT,” available on Spotify, Google, and Apple Podcasts.
These podcasts offer a platform to delve deeper into various IoT topics, share startup experiences, and engage with listeners in a more intimate and accessible format.
“How can I provide even more value through audio content?” I asked myself.
The answer lay in creating content that was informative, engaging, and easy to consume for listeners on the go.
Recognition and Awards
Over the years, my efforts began to bear fruit.
I was recognized globally for my contributions to IoT and smart cities.
I was listed in Onalytica’s “Who’s Who in IoT,” ranked among the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders on IoT by Thinkers360, and awarded “Most Impactful Smart Cities Leaders” by the World CSR Congress.
These accolades recognized my work and validated my journey.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation
One crucial aspect of my journey has been the willingness to learn and adapt. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and staying relevant requires continuous learning.
I regularly updated myself with the latest trends, attended webinars, and read extensively.
“How can I stay ahead of the curve?” This question drove my learning efforts.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on my journey, I realize that the path from obscurity to influence is complex. It requires passion, perseverance, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. It’s about constantly asking yourself, “How can I make a difference?” and then taking the necessary steps.
My advice for anyone starting their journey is to stay true to their passion, embrace the power of digital platforms, and never stop learning.
Your journey might be challenging, but you can achieve great things with determination and the right strategies.
Thank you for being a part of my journey.
Here’s to many more milestones and continued growth!
In this article, we listed three IoT platform companies, ThingSpeak, Blynk, and Favoriot, and why they are successful in their business.
ThingSpeak
ThingSpeak has achieved significant success as an Internet of Things (IoT) platform due to several key factors:
Ease of Use: ThingSpeak allows users to quickly and easily set up channels to collect and visualize data from various IoT devices. The platform’s intuitive interface and comprehensive documentation make it accessible for beginners and experienced developers (ThingSpeak) (The Engineering Projects).
Integration with MATLAB: One of ThingSpeak’s standout features is its integration with MATLAB. This allows users to perform advanced data analysis and visualization directly within the platform. MATLAB’s powerful analytical tools enable users to create custom algorithms and automate processes, making it ideal for complex IoT projects (ThingSpeak) (Instructables).
Flexibility and Customization: ThingSpeak supports multiple data sources and IoT protocols, including RESTful and MQTT APIs. This flexibility allows it to be used with various devices, from simple sensors to complex systems. Additionally, users can create private or public channels, customize data visualizations, and set up triggers and alerts based on real-time data (ThingSpeak) (The Engineering Projects).
Community and Support: The platform benefits from a strong community of users who share tutorials, projects, and solutions. This community support, combined with extensive official documentation and examples, helps users troubleshoot issues and expand their knowledge (ThingSpeak) (Instructables).
Prototyping and Proof of Concept: ThingSpeak is particularly popular for prototyping and proof-of-concept projects. Its ability to quickly aggregate, visualize, and analyze data without requiring extensive setup or development of custom web software makes it an attractive option for innovators and researchers looking to test new ideas (Instructables).
Overall, ThingSpeak’s user-friendly design, powerful analytical capabilities, flexibility, and robust community support contribute to its success as a leading IoT platform.
Blynk
Blynk has become a highly successful IoT platform for several reasons:
Ease of Use: Blynk’s user-friendly interface allows even beginners to create and manage IoT projects without extensive programming knowledge. The drag-and-drop feature makes it easy to build customized interfaces for controlling and monitoring devices (TrustRadius).
Broad Device Support: Blynk supports many devices and connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet. This flexibility allows developers to use popular microcontrollers like ESP8266 and ESP32, which are pre-configured to work seamlessly with the Blynk platform (Instructables) (Blynk).
No-Code and Low-Code Solutions: Blynk offers no-code development options, enabling users to build IoT applications quickly without writing code. This is particularly advantageous for businesses and hobbyists looking to rapidly prototype and deploy IoT solutions (TrustRadius).
Customizable and Scalable: Blynk provides extensive customization options, allowing users to design interfaces that meet their needs. It also offers scalability from small projects to large commercial deployments, with features like private servers, energy management, and role-based user permissions (Tech Explorations) (TrustRadius).
Powerful Features and Integration: Blynk includes powerful features such as real-time data monitoring, remote control, over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates, and integration with other systems like Node-Red. These features help streamline the development process and enhance the functionality of IoT projects (Blynk) (TrustRadius).
Community and Support: Blynk has a strong community of developers and extensive documentation, tutorials, and support resources, making it easier for users to find solutions and share their projects (Instructables) (Tech Explorations).
These factors combined make Blynk an attractive and effective platform for IoT development, helping users efficiently create, manage, and scale their IoT projects.
FAVORIOT has become highly successful for several key reasons:
Innovation and Flexibility: FAVORIOT offers flexible and innovative IoT solutions tailored to various industries. This adaptability allows it to serve multiple applications, from healthcare to smart cities, making it a versatile platform for different use cases .
Strong Leadership: Under Dr. Mazlan Abbas, a recognized global thought leader in IoT and smart cities, FAVORIOT benefits from visionary guidance. Dr. Mazlan’s extensive experience and strategic insights have played a crucial role in positioning FAVORIOT as a leader in the IoT space.
User-Centric Platform: FAVORIOT’s platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, enabling developers and businesses to integrate IoT solutions easily. This ease of use helps in quick adoption and implementation, which is critical for businesses looking to leverage IoT technologies without extensive technical overhead.
Community and Ecosystem: FAVORIOT has built a robust ecosystem and community around its platform, providing extensive support and resources to its users. This includes comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and a supportive community facilitating learning and troubleshooting.
Focus on Education and Empowerment: FAVORIOT actively engages in educational initiatives and partnerships with academic institutions. This helps foster the next generation of IoT innovators and expands its influence within the industry and academia.
These factors collectively contribute to the ongoing success and growth of FAVORIOT in the competitive IoT market.
How did I come up with the idea of building Favoriot?
Dr. Mazlan Abbas — The Author
Dr. Mazlan Abbas co-founded FAVORIOT Sdn Bhd, driven by his extensive experience in the telecommunications and IoT industries and his vision for the future of technology. Here’s a detailed account of how he came up with the idea to build the FAVORIOT:
Inspiration and Background
Telecommunications and IoT Expertise: Dr. Mazlan’s career spanned various leadership roles in the telecom sector, including his time at CELCOM Axiata and MIMOS Berhad, where he led the Wireless Communications Cluster. His deep-rooted experience in the telecom industry gave him a solid foundation in understanding the potential of IoT.
REDtone IoT Experience: As the CEO of REDtone IoT, he established a subsidiary focused on IoT solutions. This role allowed him to explore the IoT landscape more thoroughly, identifying gaps and opportunities in the market.
Global Recognition and Thought Leadership: His recognition as a global thought leader in IoT, evident from accolades like Onalytica’s “Who’s Who in IoT” and the “Most Impactful Smart Cities Leaders” award, fueled his ambition to leverage his knowledge and network to create impactful IoT solutions.
The Genesis of FAVORIOT
Identifying Market Needs: Through his engagements and observations, Dr. Mazlan noticed that many businesses struggled with digital transformation and needed more tools to leverage IoT effectively. This gap in the market presented an opportunity.
Vision for Digital Transformation: Driven by the vision of enabling digital transformation through IoT, Dr. Mazlan wanted to create a platform that could simplify IoT adoption for businesses, allowing them to harness the technology to improve operations and innovate.
Collaborative Effort: Teaming up with like-minded colleagues who shared his vision, they embarked on this entrepreneurial journey. Their combined expertise and shared goals were pivotal in laying the foundation for FAVORIOT.
Entrepreneurial Drive: Despite never envisioning himself as a CEO or an entrepreneur, Dr. Mazlan’s career journey taught him the value of embracing challenges and evolving aspirations. This entrepreneurial drive and his passion for IoT led him to co-found FAVORIOT.
Establishing FAVORIOT
Focus on IoT Solutions: FAVORIOT was established to offer comprehensive IoT solutions, focusing on enabling businesses to undergo digital transformation smoothly. The startup aimed to provide easy-to-use platforms, tools, and services for various industries.
Continuous Learning and Innovation: Dr. Mazlan’s commitment to lifelong learning and staying abreast of technological advancements ensured that FAVORIOT remained at the forefront of innovation in the IoT space.
Community and Industry Engagement: His active involvement in industry advisory panels and as an adjunct professor allowed him to blend academic insights with practical applications, ensuring that FAVORIOT’s offerings were both cutting-edge and relevant to real-world needs.
Reflecting on the Journey
Dr. Mazlan often reflects on how each step in his career, from academia to corporate leadership, contributed to the birth of FAVORIOT.
The challenges he faced and the support from family, friends, and colleagues played crucial roles in shaping his entrepreneurial path.
Through FAVORIOT, Dr. Mazlan continues to pursue his passion for technology and innovation, striving to make a meaningful impact on businesses and society by leveraging the power of IoT.
Expanding Horizons with Our Innovative IoT Platform
About FAVORIOT
FAVORIOT, a pioneer in the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem in Malaysia, seeks visionary partners and distributors worldwide to collaborate and expand the reach of our state-of-the-art IoT platform.
Our platform empowers businesses, smart cities, and industries to harness the power of IoT, driving efficiency, sustainability, and growth.
Why Partner with FAVORIOT?
1 — Proven Expertise: With decades of experience and leadership in IoT, telecommunications, and smart cities, FAVORIOT brings unparalleled expertise and a strong track record of successful projects and partnerships.
2 — Innovative IoT Platform: The FAVORIOT IoT Platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools for seamless integration, real-time data analytics, and robust security features. It supports diverse applications across industries, from smart city management to industrial automation and beyond.
3 — Global Recognition: Our platform is globally recognized (with users from 120 countries worldwide) for its reliability, scalability, and user-friendly interface. FAVORIOT is a trusted name in the IoT space, backed by successful deployments and satisfied clients worldwide.
4 — Dedicated Support: We provide our partners with comprehensive support, including technical assistance, marketing resources, and training. Our team is committed to ensuring your success and helping you maximize the potential of the FAVORIOT IoT Platform.
Opportunities for Distributors
1 — Expand Your Product Portfolio: The powerful and versatile FAVORIOT IoT Platform enhances your offerings. Our solutions cater to a wide range of industries, providing endless opportunities to tap into new markets and increase your revenue streams.
2 — Collaborative Growth: Join a network of forward-thinking partners and distributors committed to innovation and excellence. Benefit from collaborative growth and shared success as we work together to drive the IoT revolution.
3 — Market Advantage: Leverage the competitive edge provided by FAVORIOT’s advanced IoT solutions. Our platform’s unique features and capabilities will set you apart in the marketplace, attracting new clients and retaining existing ones.
Get in Touch
Are you ready to join the IoT revolution with FAVORIOT? We are actively seeking partners and distributors passionate about technology and innovation. Together, we can transform industries and create smarter, more connected communities worldwide.
Contact Us Today:
Email: info@favoriot.com Phone: +603 8071 0381 Website: www.favoriot.com Address: FAVORIOT Sdn Bhd, Suite 30, Level 4A, IOI Business Park, 47100 Puchong, Malaysia
Join FAVORIOT in shaping the future of IoT.
Let’s innovate, collaborate, and succeed together!
What if you can create and manage your closed user group of IoT users and accounts?
The FAVORIOT IoT Ecosystem represents a new way of managing IoT developers and projects by offering a robust platform for research and development, educational enrichment, and user account management.
Do you know why institutions, faculties, and IoT enthusiasts should consider subscribing to FAVORIOT’s IoT Ecosystem?
Innovative Features of the FAVORIOT IoT Ecosystem
FAVORIOT’s new IoT ecosystem is a cloud-based platform designed to bring simplicity, control, and affordability to the hands of its users. It is equipped with features that make it a compelling choice for institutions and organizations:
Simple & Affordable Cloud-based Subscription: The subscription model is designed to be budget-friendly, offering a range of services without the need for expensive hardware investments. This cloud-based service ensures that users can access their IoT environment anytime, anywhere, making it an ideal solution for continuous learning and development.
Control Over User Accounts: The platform allows meticulous control over user accounts, enabling administrators to manage and oversee multiple users’ activities easily. This is particularly beneficial for educational institutions that must provide IoT platform services to many students or researchers. It allows the administrator to continue saving the data for future students to analyze and expand.
Ideal for IoT Labs: The platform emphasizes R&D, faculty, and university usage and provides an excellent base for IoT labs. It facilitates the exploration and development of IoT projects, from simple educational exercises to complex research endeavors.
The Edge in Educational Institutions
As educational institutions are pivotal in shaping the future workforce, integrating FAVORIOT’s IoT ecosystem into their programs ensures that students are adept in cutting-edge technologies:
Hands-On Learning: The IoT ecosystem provides students hands-on experience in real-world IoT applications, an indispensable part of technology education today.
Curriculum Development: With FAVORIOT’s platform, educators can seamlessly incorporate IoT projects into their curriculum, enhancing the learning experience and keeping the curriculum updated with the latest tech trends.
Collaborative Projects: The platform encourages cooperative learning, allowing students and faculty to work together on IoT projects and fostering community and teamwork.
Research and Development: FAVORIOT’s IoT Ecosystem is great for R&D. It provides tools and analytics essential for advancing IoT research and contributing to the academic and industrial fields.
Conclusion
FAVORIOT’s IoT Ecosystem Plan is a gateway to technological advancement and innovation for educational institutions, research labs, and developers. Its new features and subscription offer make it an essential tool for those looking to dive into the world of IoT, with a focus on practical, hands-on learning and development.
By subscribing to this platform, users gain more than just a service; they join a movement towards a smarter, more connected world driven by IoT technology.
Whether for enhancing the educational journey, conducting groundbreaking research, or managing many user accounts, FAVORIOT’s new IoT Ecosystem is the solution for tomorrow’s challenges today.
It’s a commitment to education, innovation, and the future of connectivity.
Each IoT product development journey is an odyssey filled with insights, challenges, and evolution. Today, I share the narrative of our fourth IoT venture, Dscover, and how it became a transformative segment of our IoT suite.
The Genesis of Dscover
The seeds for Dscover were sown amid the successful launch of our first IoT product, Raqib, in 2018. At this crossroads, feedback was not just a guide but a compass that pointed us toward innovation.
While Raqib was making strides, and as we progressed with Favorsense and the Favoriot IoT platform, there was a budding notion that it was time to chart a new path.
That’s when Dscover started to take shape.
Photo by Pathum Danthanarayana on Unsplash
Understanding the Underlying Need
With Raqib, we ventured into tracking solutions beyond the Bluetooth smartwatch and smartphone. Yet, it became clear that our users’ interests lay elsewhere.
They needed a different kind of tracking — one that provided safety and connectivity, especially while traveling. The market demanded a solution that prioritized security without compromising the freedom of the individual or group.
This was the crux that led to the ideation of Dscover.
Embracing Market Realities
Initially, our eyes were set on the bustling Travel and Tourism market. However, the onset of the pandemic in 2020 drastically altered the landscape and our strategies.
We had to pivot quickly, transforming Dscover into a tool for families and friends to stay connected despite global travel restrictions.
Photo by Felix Rostig on Unsplash
The Decision for an App-Centric Approach
Selecting a mobile application as the vessel for Dscover was strategic.
It was a nod to cost-effectiveness, leveraging existing smartphone technology, and aligning with the ease of deployment through app stores.
The aim was to create an unobtrusive yet powerful tool that users could integrate into their daily lives.
Tackling Go-to-Market Hurdles
The B2C model presented unique challenges, particularly in understanding and targeting user demographics through social media.
One stumbling block we encountered was the app’s initial name, “D’scover.” It proved problematic for searchability, leading us to the pivotal decision to rename it “Dscover.” (Note: Later, we observed that the spelling “Dscover” and how we pronounce it as “Discover” became a big misunderstanding in searching in the App store)
The initial B2B strategy targeted travel agencies and governments, but we widened our scope as the pandemic reshaped the world.
We even considered using Dscover for monitoring quarantined patients, an idea that, despite its potential, did not gain official traction.
Photo by Joan Gamell on Unsplash
Introspective Moments
This juncture compelled us to reflect — did we invest enough in marketing and sales for our existing products before venturing into another? It was a solemn reminder of the complexities inherent in product development within the IoT space.
Gleaning Lessons Along the Way
Adaptability Emerged as Key
The development of Dscover underscored the significance of market adaptability. The global changes of 2020 necessitated a shift from a travel-centric application to one that served families and friends, illustrating our ability to respond to macro-environmental shifts.
Valuing User Feedback
The feedback from our users was paramount. Their insights directly influenced the trajectory of Dscover, underscoring the need to align our product closely with the user’s desires and expectations.
Photo by Jay-Pee Peña 🇵🇭 on Unsplash
The Art of Naming
A name is more than a label; it’s the first touchpoint with the user. The transition to “Dscover” was a calculated move to facilitate ease of search and foster brand recall. It was a lesson in the subtleties of product naming and its impact on visibility and accessibility.
The Need for Continuous Evaluation
Before plunging into new product waters, a thorough assessment of our existing products’ presence in the market became an evident necessity. Such evaluations and robust marketing and sales strategies are the bedrock of successful product evolution.
Carrying Forward the Insights
These lessons from Dscover are part of our collective wisdom as we forge ahead. They act as a direction that guides our product development, ensuring that our creations resonate with the market’s pulse and enrich our users’ lives.
Reflecting on this journey, I am reminded that each step, whether forward or backward, is a learning opportunity.
Through these experiences, we chart a course for success, navigating the intricate waters of IoT development with a keener sense of direction and a more refined vision for the future.
The story of Dscover is more than a chapter in our history; it’s a catalyst that propels us towards innovative horizons, ever ready to adapt, grow, and excel.
Venturing into the fast-evolving Internet of Things (IoT) industry demands a clear vision and unwavering commitment to transformation and innovation. As a co-founder and CEO of an IoT startup, I have faced my fair share of challenges and breakthroughs.
In this article, I want to share my experiences with FAVORIOT and how we navigated the trials of monetizing our business in the dynamic field of IoT.
This is based on the interview questions posed to me.
Embracing Change as a Dynamic Leader
Question: What, according to you, makes one a dynamic leader? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership?
Dynamic leadership is about adaptability and resilience. Being dynamic means understanding that change is the only constant in technology and business. In my leadership role, I strive to embody flexibility, continuously seeking to learn and unlearn, thus ensuring that FAVORIOT stays ahead of the curve. It’s about nurturing a culture where innovation is encouraged and ideas can flourish without fearing failure. — Mazlan Abbas
Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash
The Birth of FAVORIOT and Lessons Learned
Question: What led to the formation of FAVORIOT? What role do you play in the company’s day-to-day operations?
The spark that led to FAVORIOT’s creation was ignited during an inspiring trip to Silicon Valley. Experiencing the hub of innovation firsthand in 2016 showed me the potential for transformation through technology. Initially, we wanted to revolutionize how we monitor senior citizens with IoT wearable devices and mobile apps. My role in FAVORIOT’s daily activities involves strategic planning and ensuring that every team member is aligned with our vision and has the resources to innovate. — Mazlan Abbas
Overcoming Challenges and Ensuring Client Satisfaction
Question: What has Mazlan Abbas’ journey been like over the years? Looking back, what would you have done differently when starting?
The journey has been exhilarating and challenging. The greatest obstacle wasn’t the technology itself but convincing clients of the transformative power of IoT. In retrospect, I would have directed our focus to the education sector much earlier, laying a foundation of understanding before targeting business and corporate customers. Educating the market is critical, and I believe in aligning our goals with our clients for mutual success. — Mazlan Abbas
Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash
Advice for Aspiring Leaders and Entrepreneurs
Question: What would your advice be for aspiring young leaders or entrepreneurs?
To the entrepreneurs of tomorrow, my advice is to be brave enough to test your ideas in the real world. Embrace feedback and use it to iterate your product. Product-market fit is crucial, so don’t be disheartened if success isn’t immediate. Be patient and persistent, and remember that every setback is a lesson in disguise. — Mazlan Abbas
The Roadblock and Learning Opportunity
Question: What has been the biggest roadblock during your journey? What has been your most significant learning?
Gaining the trust of our first customers was a significant roadblock. Our perception of the product’s value had to align with what the customer truly needed. The most significant lesson from this was the importance of swiftly and effectively reaching product-market fit. This requires understanding the market’s needs deeply and adapting our offerings accordingly. — Mazlan Abbas
FAVORIOT’s Vision for the Future
Question: What does the future look like for you and FAVORIOT?
Looking ahead, I see a future where FAVORIOT’s IoT platform is the backbone of businesses worldwide. Since our humble beginnings, we’ve grown to reach 115 countries. The rapid growth in IoT is not just about technology but also about raising awareness and combining various technologies to create comprehensive solutions. We’re committed to leading the way in IoTization across all sectors. — Mazlan Abbas
Photo by Charlotte Karlsen on Unsplash
Final Reflections
This journey of transforming business with IoT teaches us the importance of dynamic leadership and adaptability.
Starting FAVORIOT wasn’t merely about bringing a new product to the market; it was about initiating change in how industries operate.
The road to monetization and business success in IoT is paved with constant learning, embracing change, and the relentless pursuit of aligning products with market needs.
FAVORIOT’s story illustrates that any business can make a substantial impact in the IoT world with perseverance, a spirit of innovation, and a willingness to evolve with technology.
Our mission is clear: to continue IoTizing, innovating, and transforming the businesses and lives of people around the globe.
When we started the Favoriot journey, we were not merely looking to create another product in the Internet of Things (IoT) space. We want to find something revolutionary — a journey that would anchor us firmly within the heart of the IoT ecosystem for years to come.
This is the odyssey of our third IoT creation, an IoT platform that would define us.
Embarking on the Favoriot Journey
It wasn’t just about launching a product; it was about the dream of weaving IoT into the very fabric of business operations.
Our first product, Raqib, was the culmination of two years of hard graft, steep learning curves, and the unwavering spirit of innovation.
Crafting Raqib was an exercise in patience and persistence. It required finding the right partners, ensuring seamless integration between the device, the data platform, the mobile application, and customer relationship management.
Photo by Alexas_Fotos on Unsplash
Pivot, Rapid Execution, Valuable Insights
Favorsense followed, benefitting from the lessons Raqib taught us. It reached the market in just a year, showing how far we had come.
Each piece of feedback was a nugget of gold, offering us insights that we would use to refine and enhance the product to meet our users’ needs better.
The Unplanned Masterpiece: Favoriot
Favoriot began as an undercurrent, a middleware solution developed during our other projects. It became clear that we had more than just middleware; it was a platform with the potential to stand independently.
The introduction of a pricing model in March 2019, following a period of free trials that provided invaluable user insights, was a pivotal moment in Favoriot’s story.
Photo by Jorge Ramirez on Unsplash
Navigating Through Challenges
Each product brought its own trials and tribulations. Despite our strong ties with the academic world, finding the right talent proved more difficult than anticipated.
While students showed enthusiasm for IoT, the absence of a structured IoT curriculum and a shortage of skilled professionals were barriers we needed to overcome.
A Market of Untapped Potential
The potential was undeniable, with the IoT market expected to grow exponentially. In Malaysia, a country that officially stepped into the IoT arena only a few years back, Favoriot could be the cornerstone for commercial IoT deployment and education.
Favoriot: More Than Just a Product
Favoriot was envisaged as more than a product — a gateway for innovation. Accessible to students and professionals alike, Favoriot promised security, ease of use, and support for various protocols.
It was designed to foster innovation while ensuring data ownership remained with the users.
Our platform, offered as a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), was complemented by different subscription plans, a community for shared learning, and a wealth of documentation and tutorials.
Photo by Louis Reed on Unsplash
Learning, Adapting, Growing
At first, the uptake was slow, with users naturally gravitating towards more familiar platforms. However, our user base expanded dramatically as we increased our library of use cases and tutorials and promoted Favoriot across different channels.
Unleashing a New Wave of Talent
We are now seeing the fruits of our labor in the form of university graduates equipped with practical knowledge of Favoriot, ready to drive the IoT revolution in Malaysia and beyond.
Five Startup Tips from Our Journey
Persistence: The entrepreneurial path is strewn with obstacles. Those who persist will eventually break through.
Continuous Learning: The feedback loop is critical. It’s what allows you to refine and enhance your offerings continuously.
Invest in Talent: The people you bring on board will form the bedrock of your success. Invest in them wisely.
Spot Opportunities Amidst Challenges: Problems are just opportunities in disguise. Learn to recognize them and to make the most of them.
Foster a Community: The support and engagement of a community can be transformative. Shared successes and collective learning are powerful forces.
Use these insights to guide your entrepreneurial journey in IoT innovation. May your venture inspire others in the industry.
Staying ahead is no longer an option — it’s a necessity.
Imagine a world where your skills not only keep pace with technology but set the pace. The next big breakthrough could be yours in the swiftly advancing realm of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). FAVORIOT is launching a dynamic training series that will revolutionize how you engage with technology.
This is your gateway to becoming an IoT, AI, and Smart Cities leader.
With each session designed by industry experts, our training offers a rare look into the strategic and technical aspects of modern technologies. From understanding the basics to applying advanced concepts in real-world scenarios, the content is tailored to ignite a transformational skill set.
But that’s just the beginning.
As you delve deeper, you’ll discover how these technologies are shaping the future and crucial to solving today’s most pressing challenges. How can IoT and AI drive sustainable urban development? What role will you play in the smart cities of tomorrow?
The answers to these questions might redefine your career.
Just as you master the intricacies of IoT integration or leverage AI for data-driven solutions, a new landscape emerges — how to innovate responsibly and ethically in a world dependent on smart technology. FAVORIOT’s training doesn’t just prepare you for the current wave of technological advancement; it equips you to lead the next.
Don’t let this opportunity to advance your career and shape the future pass you by. Join FAVORIOT’s training series now and step into a role that’s as impactful as it is imperative.
Enroll today and be the change that drives tomorrow. Embrace the future — become its architect.
Take your pick! Contact us for more details, or schedule an appointment!
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 