IoT - Mazlan Abbas

Bridging Malaysia’s IoT Talent Gap: The Favoriot Way

In the expanding universe of the Internet of Things (IoT), Favoriot has carved its niche with a clear focus – IoT training. But why the emphasis on training? The answer lies in the challenges posed by offering an IoT platform-as-a-service.

1. The Reality Check of an Empty Platform

An IoT platform’s potential remains untapped if there are no takers. When Favoriot first ventured into offering its IoT platform service, the uptake was dishearteningly minimal. A dominant reason? The brand ‘Favoriot’ was a new kid on the block, unfamiliar to the tech-savvy crowd and students who leaned towards platforms they recognized like ThingSpeak, ThingsBoard, Blynk, or Azure.

2. Identifying the Gap in the Market

We noticed a pattern. The Malaysian market had more resellers of IoT products than genuine product creators. For a nation aspiring to transition from a consumer to a producer, this spelled stagnancy. There’s a gaping chasm between importing technology and producing it. To bridge this gap, the nation needed talents capable of pioneering their own IoT innovations.

3. The Favoriot Pivot to Training

Recognizing this void, Favoriot decided to channel its energies into IoT training. From basic tenets to advanced nuances and IoT data analytics, we designed a comprehensive training regimen. The introduction of Professional Certificates was a game-changer, amplifying the professional credibility of participants.

Today, over 15 Malaysian universities have integrated the Favoriot IoT platform into their curriculum, predominantly in final year projects. Some institutions are even contemplating introducing Favoriot’s Professional Certificates, testament to its industry relevance.

4. Expanding Beyond Training

Does Favoriot’s vision culminate with training? Emphatically, no! Our IoT platform has been embraced by diverse sectors, from manufacturing and agriculture to smart cities. The training was the catalyst, the spark that ignited IoT adoption across Malaysia.

In Conclusion

Our journey at Favoriot is characterized by adaptability. We saw a need, recalibrated our strategy, and are now playing a pivotal role in Malaysia’s IoT talent evolution. As we look ahead, our commitment remains unchanged: empowering the nation through state-of-the-art IoT solutions and training.

10 Inspirational Life Quotes of Mazlan Abbas

Based on Dr. Mazlan’s biography, here are 10 inspirational life quotes that might resonate with his journey:

“Success is the intersection of preparation and opportunity; I’ve lived at that crossroad.”
“From the lecture halls of academia to the dynamic world of IoT, every step was a lesson waiting to be learned.”
“When you’re passionate about innovation, every disruption becomes an opportunity.”
“Teaching is the best way to learn; I’ve been both a student and a guide throughout my journey.”
“A true leader not only creates a vision but inspires others to embrace it.”
“In the rapidly evolving world of technology, remaining a student is the key to becoming a master.”
“Your qualifications open doors, but it’s your passion and persistence that build empires.”
“Every title I’ve held was a chapter; together, they tell the story of a relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation.”
“Be the change in the industry you want to see, and soon you’ll find yourself leading the way.”
“From a spark of curiosity to illuminating the world with ideas – such is the journey of a lifelong learner.”

These quotes reflect Dr. Mazlan’s dedication to education, leadership, innovation, and his impact on the world of IoT and telecommunications.

Multiple Revenue Streams from a Single Product: The Favoriot IoT Platform Experience

In today’s business landscape, diversifying revenue streams is not just a strategy; it’s a necessity. When we initially introduced the Favoriot IoT platform as a service, our vision was singular – a subscription model. Yet, the journey unfolded layers of potential we hadn’t initially perceived.

1. Subscription: The Starting Point

Our journey began with the primary notion that users would subscribe to our platform for consistent access and updates. It was a straightforward revenue model, and it worked.

2. IoT Training & Certification: Leveraging Expertise

Soon, we realized the potential of intertwining education with our product. The IoT domain was booming, and a knowledge gap existed. We stepped in to offer IoT training, capitalizing on the platform itself as the main tool. This approach gave users hands-on experience. Furthermore, with the Favoriot professional certificates, we created a brand-centric credibility in the IoT sector.

3. On-Premise Licensing: Meeting Diverse Needs

Recognizing the diverse needs of different businesses, we shifted from solely an online subscription model. Some firms desired the reliability and control that came with on-premise solutions. So, we offered a perpetual licensing model, catering to those who wanted the platform within their infrastructural bounds.

4. Hardware Bundling: Enhancing Product Value

As the IoT universe expanded, we saw manufacturers eager to streamline their user experience by bundling their hardware with reliable software. By integrating their hardware with the Favoriot platform subscription, we achieved a synergy, creating a more comprehensive product for the end-user.

5. Tailored IoT Solutions: Expanding Horizons

Our final eureka moment was identifying the need for industry-specific IoT solutions. Companies approached us with unique challenges, and we saw the opportunity to tailor our platform to fit diverse verticals. This not only opened new revenue channels but also positioned Favoriot as a versatile, adaptive, and solution-centric platform.

Conclusion: The Core and the Expansions

Favoriot started as a singular platform but evolved into a nucleus around which myriad revenue streams revolved. From IoT education to product development and solution deployment, Favoriot became synonymous with versatility in the IoT domain. Our journey is testament to the fact that a single product, when viewed with an innovative lens, can sprout multiple avenues of income and value creation.

The Illusion of RFPs in the IoT World: Managing Expectations as a Startup

The world of startups, particularly in the ever-evolving IoT (Internet of Things) domain, is brimming with excitement, challenges, and a myriad of opportunities. As founders, we often associate a high number of requests for proposals (RFPs) with potential success. The logic seems straightforward: more RFPs mean more interest, and hence, a higher likelihood of landing projects. However, the journey from RFP to a signed project can be riddled with pitfalls and misadventures.

RFPs: A Double-Edged Sword
An RFP, at its core, is an opportunity for potential customers to gather information. It’s a tool for them to understand the feasibility of a project, discover potential solutions to their challenges, and evaluate costs. And while it may seem like a positive sign for a startup to receive multiple RFPs, it’s essential to understand that an RFP is just that—an opportunity, not a guarantee.

The Dark Side of RFPs
One of the harsher realities startups face is that RFPs can sometimes be utilized in less-than-ethical ways. In some instances, after a startup has invested time, resources, and expertise into crafting a comprehensive proposal, the potential customer may hand over this proposal to a preferred vendor. In blatant disregard for propriety, the vendor might only need to swap out logos and company names, essentially “rebranding” the startup’s hard work as their own.

Such experiences are not just disheartening; they shake our trust and can make us question our openness and willingness to share. After all, it’s painful to see your intellectual property and innovative solutions casually handed over to another entity.

Guarding Against Misuse
Such challenges have taught many startups, including ours, the importance of caution. While we should never shun the opportunity to submit an RFP, it’s crucial to strike a balance. Entrepreneurs must learn the art of sharing just enough to entice a potential client but not so much that their ideas can be lifted wholesale.

Incorporating safeguards such as Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) before diving deep into proposals or limiting the granularity of the information shared, especially about costs and specific “how-to” processes, can be beneficial.

The Entrepreneurial Learning Curve
Every experience, both good and bad, serves as a lesson for the entrepreneur. While the misadventures with RFPs can be disheartening, they teach us to be more protective of our intellectual property, to discern genuine interest from mere information gathering, and to navigate the complex world of business dealings with added caution.

In conclusion, while RFPs are and will remain a vital part of the business landscape, they serve as a reminder that not all that glitters is gold. As startup founders, it’s our job to sift through the glitter, find genuine opportunities, and guard against potential pitfalls. After all, resilience and adaptability are at the heart of entrepreneurship.

AI Sword – The Movie

In the epic tale of “AI Sword,” the vast expanse of space collides with the rugged tapestry of the medieval times, creating a symphony of paradoxical realities that breathe life into this unforgettable narrative. In an age defined by clashing steel and fiery courage, a group of hardy warriors find their world turned upside down when they cross paths with an unlikely ally – extraterrestrial beings seeking assistance against formidable foes from a distant universe.

An object of unprecedented power and intelligence is gifted to these noble warriors by their newfound allies, an AI sword capable of unimaginable feats, its brilliant gleam a beacon of hope amidst the impending chaos. Its intelligence echoes with the knowledge of galaxies far beyond their comprehension, a sentient weapon whose wisdom surpasses the collective knowledge of all medieval earth.

However, as shadows lengthen, an ominous threat approaches – the invaders. Armed with catastrophic superpowers that could reduce their world to mere cosmic dust, these invaders from another universe demonstrate the potential for unprecedented devastation. The earth stands on the precipice of annihilation, its fate intertwined with the capabilities of the AI Sword and the resilience of its medieval defenders.

“AI Sword” is a heart-stopping narrative of courage, friendship, and sacrifice, set against the backdrop of a world where the boundaries between technology and magic, past and future, are blurred. It’s a tale that holds your heart captive, as you journey with these warriors, their fears echoing your own, their courage igniting a fire within you. As they wield their extraordinary weapon against the invaders, each clash reverberates with the hope of survival and the dread of oblivion.

In this epic collision of universes and times, “AI Sword” offers a sweeping exploration of unity in the face of impending doom, highlighting the power of alliances that cross the boundaries of time and space. As the warriors stand tall, their AI sword gleaming under the cosmic skies, their tale becomes a testament to the indomitable spirit of resistance and the enduring power of friendship.

Walk Together – The Movie

“Walk Together” is a heart-wrenching journey into the bleak depths of a land cruelly oppressed by a merciless king, a despot driven by malevolence. His reign of terror, enforced by his otherworldly powers derived from a mysterious stone salvaged from the wreckage of a crashed spaceship, has reduced his subjects to mere puppets in his deadly games. Fear pulsates through the air, and despair cloaks the land like an unending night.

The king’s insatiable thirst for entertainment and control leads him to the creation of a sadistic game of death, where his oppressed subjects are forced to fight, their very lives hanging by a thread. Each cry of pain and each fallen warrior is met with cheers from the king, adding another layer of torment to the enslaved people.

In the bowels of this dystopian reality, a spark of hope is ignited when a group of slaves manage to secure a fragment of the king’s powerful stone. The stone, imbued with transformative powers, bestows upon them not just strength, but a heightened intelligence in the art of martial arts. The undercurrent of fear that once held them captive is replaced with a newfound sense of resolve and unity.

Their journey, symbolically titled “Walk Together,” paints a poignant picture of their shared purpose and collective resilience. Each step they take towards the king’s stronghold is a testament to their unwavering spirit and the strength of their newfound brotherhood.

“Walk Together” is a stirring tale of courage and unity against insurmountable odds, a narrative echoing with the sound of thousands of footsteps marching in unison towards freedom. The echoes of their journey resonate deeply, creating a tapestry of struggle, resilience, and hope. This film is a testament to the undying spirit of resistance and the power of collective strength, a chronicle of a walk towards liberation that will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.

Spark – The Movie

“Spark” is a compelling cinematic odyssey that pulls you into the gritty streets of a city held hostage by the merciless grip of an evil gang. In this urban jungle, fear is the law, and despair, the currency. The gang, notorious for its savage martial arts contest, uses the lure of power and position to enthrall the city’s desperate and gullible souls.

From the shadows emerges our hero, a dedicated policeman, carrying within him a burning flame of vengeance, stoked by the tragic loss of his younger brother to the ruthless contest. His soul stirs with a relentless thirst for justice, his heart heavy with the memory of his innocent brother snuffed out in the prime of his life.

Empowered by an AI with super-intelligence, the hero is bestowed with masterful martial arts skills, equipping him to step into the lion’s den — the brutal martial arts contest that forms the heart of the gang’s cruel dominion. His entry into the competition sends a ripple of anticipation through the city, the silent whisper of a coming storm.

“Spark” weaves a tale of raw emotion and resolute courage, painting a vivid picture of a city on the edge and a hero daring to challenge the status quo. As our hero navigates the perilous terrain of the contest, each blow he lands, each stand he takes, is a symphony of pain, resilience, and an undying will to set things right.

Brace yourself for a movie experience that crackles with suspense, drama, and intense emotional energy. “Spark” explores the depth of human courage and the unfathomable lengths one man is willing to go for justice. It is a testimony to the indomitable human spirit that burns brightly even in the darkest of times.

Seram – The Movie

“Seram,” a thrilling Malay cinematic masterpiece, sweeps you into an enthralling journey of friendship, betrayal, and valor, where the boundaries of trust are tested and the strength of the human spirit is pushed to its limits.

At the heart of our tale are three friends, their bond forged by shared dreams and a camaraderie that promises to stand the test of time. Yet, in a haunting twist of fate, one among them succumbs to the dark allure of power, becoming an insidious villain with the ability to traverse the universe, his superpowers casting a sinister pall over their once unshakable bond.

Feeling the acute sting of their friend’s betrayal and driven by an unwavering sense of duty, our heroes turn to an unlikely ally, a humanoid imbued with extraordinary intelligence. Entrusted with cutting-edge IoT weaponry, they are propelled into a universe-spanning chase, their journey taking them across the star-dotted canvas of the cosmos, in their pursuit of their wayward friend.

Their path leads them to a land deeply rooted in Malay culture and tradition, a serene setting that belies the imminent showdown between the forces of good and evil. As the final battle looms, “Seram” crescendos into an emotionally charged narrative, every frame echoing with the pain of betrayal, the weight of responsibility, and the unwavering courage to fight against overwhelming odds.

“Seram” is a poignant exploration of the complexities of friendship, the duality of human nature, and the undeniable power of unity in the face of adversity. As you delve into this riveting saga, you’ll find yourself immersed in a heartrending tale that beautifully encapsulates the struggle between good and evil, a tale that resonates long after the final credits roll.

Misteri – The Movie

In the gripping and evocative tale of “Misteri,” we find ourselves enthralled in the quests of three distinct heroes, each one a beacon of courage and resilience against the bleak backdrops of their individual lands. Their lives, though miles apart, are bound together by a common thread — the menace of a sinister villain, whose inscrutable magical powers cast a foreboding shadow over their existence.

Our heroes, diverse in their origins and paths, are unexpectedly entrusted with fragments of a clandestine knowledge — three pieces of a cryptic puzzle that hold the potential to unravel the villain’s potent magic and bring his reign of terror to a decisive end. Yet, these fragments only hold the key to victory when pieced together, a feat that can only be achieved if the heroes can transcend their differences, unite their strength, and embark on a perilous journey fraught with challenges to reach one another.

As “Misteri” unfolds, it tells a story that is as much about the outer journey to conquer a common enemy, as it is about the inner journey of these three disparate souls towards trust, unity, and understanding. The narrative resonates with emotional depth, each twist and turn resonating with the triumphant spirit of camaraderie, the piercing ache of sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of hope.

Embrace yourself for a heartrending cinematic experience, as “Misteri” weaves a tale of epic proportions, exploring the raw power of unity against a seemingly invincible enemy, and the heroes’ indomitable resolve in their quest for peace. It’s a story that will stay with you, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit when confronted with the grandest of mysteries.

Knight – The Movie

In the stirring epic “Knight,” audiences are invited into a poignant tale that unfolds against the rich tapestry of a bygone era. At the heart of our story is a simple farmer, a man whose hands are calloused from toiling the earth, his spirit indomitable despite the harsh trials of life in medieval times. His world, however, is under threat, with invaders ruthlessly encroaching on his land, desecrating the sanctity of his home.

Yet, in his darkest hour, a spectacle of otherworldly brilliance illuminates the night sky, as a spaceship, seemingly torn from the fabric of the stars, crash lands in his field. Within it, a crew of intelligent beings, castaways from a distant galaxy, struggling for survival in a world alien to them.

A bond of shared adversity and an unlikely friendship is forged between the humble farmer and the cosmic voyagers. They bestow upon him a gift, a power that transcends the constraints of his earthly existence. He becomes a knight, not of noble birth but of resolute spirit, armed with newfound strength and an unbreakable will to defend his land.

As the farmer steps into his role as the savior of his people, “Knight” evolves into an emotionally charged narrative. It’s a stirring homage to the resilience of the human spirit, the transformative power of friendship, and the courage to rise above the circumstances. This tale of valor will pull at your heartstrings as you journey alongside our unlikely hero, cheering for him as he battles against the odds to reclaim his homeland and protect those he loves.