Tag: Love

What Would I Want Named After Me? I Never Asked for a Title, But They Gave Me One Anyway

“Do you want something named after you, Dr. Mazlan?”

That question caught me off guard.

Not because it was unexpected — people love giving names to legacies, buildings, awards, even algorithms. But because deep inside, I never asked for any of it.

You see, I’m just a man who fell in love with technology. Not for fame. Not for glory. But because I truly believed it could make lives better.

Yet, along the way… names started sticking.

From “Dial-a-Coke” to Global Conferences

Let me rewind to the early 2000s.

I worked in the telecommunications industry back then—CELCOM Axiata, to be specific. This was long before the word “IoT” entered mainstream vocabulary. Yet even then, we were already experimenting with early machine-to-machine (M2M) communication forms.

One of our most exciting innovations at the time was a Coke vending machine that could be triggered by SMS.

“Wait… you mean you can buy a drink just by texting a number?”

Yes, precisely that. The concept was called “Dial-a-Coke.” You send a text, and it deducts the amount from your mobile credit. Voila, a cold can drop out of the machine.

Was it revolutionary? For that time — absolutely.

But to me, it wasn’t about being revolutionary. It was about solving problems in simple ways using connectivity. That mindset never left me.

IoT: A Journey of Passion, Not Titles

Fast-forward to 2013. That’s when I began immersing myself even more seriously into IoT—this time not just as a technologist but also as a speaker, writer, researcher, and eventually, entrepreneur.

Everywhere I went, I would talk about IoT.

At conferences. In classrooms. On stage. Off stage. At coffee shops. In boardrooms.

The energy never ran out. In fact, it grew stronger every time I saw someone’s eyes light up with an “Aha!” when they understood what IoT could do for their lives or business.

Radio interviews followed, then television. Podcasts. Newspapers. Magazines. Even my children rolled their eyes when I’d go into another “IoT monologue” during dinner.

Then came the birth of FAVORIOT — a company built to democratise IoT for developers, enterprises, and even students.

It wasn’t just business. It was my passion translated into a platform.

And Then, They Started Calling Me…

One day after a seminar, someone walked up to me and said,

“Dr. Mazlan, you’re like the Father of IoT in Malaysia.”

I laughed. A little awkwardly, I must admit.

Because if anyone deserves that title globally, it’s Kevin Ashton — the man who coined the term the “Internet of Things. I’ve always credited him for that.

But the person insisted,

“You’ve been advocating this in Malaysia longer than anyone I know. You make people understand IoT in a simple, practical way. That’s a gift.”

And slowly… it started spreading.

Father of IoT Malaysia.

Was it official? No.
Was it universally agreed? Probably not.
Was it something I asked for? Never.

But I accepted it—not for the ego—but for what it represents: a shared belief that maybe, just maybe, I had helped lay some of the digital foundations in this country’s IoT journey.

TikTok, Branding, and a Name That Stuck

In 2022, I did something unexpected — I joined TikTok.

Yup, at the age when most people would be watching TikTok videos, I started making them.

My handle? @iotman2030.

Why 2030? People often ask.

Simple. Because I wanted the technology I championed to be relevant by then.

“What if you just used @iotman2022 or 2023?”

Well, that would age too quickly, wouldn’t it? Who wants to be known by a handle that feels like it expired with last year’s tech trends?

Since then, “IoT Man” has become another name people have started calling me. Some jokingly, some with admiration, but it stuck.

I never corrected anyone. Because, in a way, it perfectly captured who I was and what I stood for.

So, If I Could Name Something After Me…

Honestly? I wouldn’t.

I believe names should be earned by impact, not intent.

But if someone else names something after me—maybe a scholarship, an award, or a lab—I just hope it’s for the right reasons.

That it inspires young minds to build the next generation of connected solutions.
That it reminds people how persistence, curiosity, and belief can shape an entire career.
That it stands for passion without ego.

And maybe it helps a few dreamers realize that technology isn’t just about wires and sensors. It’s about people.

A Legacy Beyond the Name

I never started this journey wanting to be known as anything.

Not the Father of IoT.
Not IoT Man.
Not even Dr. Mazlan the Technologist.

But I did want to make a difference.

And if making a difference earns me a name, then so be it.

Let it not be a pedestal but a platform.
Let it not be a brand but a bridge.

Because names will fade, but impact — that lingers.

So, if you ever hear someone call me Father of IoT Malaysia or IoT Man, just know —
It’s not about me.
It’s about the mission.

And that mission? Still going strong.

Even in 2030.

The Illusion of Support: When So-Called Friends Disappear After the First Meeting

“Wah! Your company is doing great things! We should collaborate.”

“I love your work! Let’s find a way to work together.”

“This is amazing. We should set up a meeting and explore synergies.”

Sounds familiar? Suppose you’ve been in business long enough. In that case, you’ve probably encountered these so-called friends—people who seem enthusiastic about your work, promise collaborations, and show support on social media but never follow through. They say all the right things, but when the time comes for real action, they are nowhere to be found.

I’ve had my fair share of these experiences, and if you’re reading this, chances are you have, too. The question is, how do we deal with them?

The False Promises and Vanishing Acts

I can’t count the number of times people have approached me, full of excitement, praising my work and proposing collaborations.

“We should do something together! Let’s schedule a meeting.”

We meet. The discussion is excellent. Ideas flow. There is a sense of excitement as if something big is about to happen.

“Let’s catch up again over teh tarik next week!”

Next week? Nothing.

The week after? Silence.

I follow up—no reply.

Then, I saw them making moves and giving presentations where they should have mentioned our partnership. But they don’t. I see them securing deals and projects that align with what we discussed. Do they call me? No.

But wait—on social media, they are my biggest cheerleaders.

“Congratulations! Keep it up!”

“Awesome work! Proud of you!”

Likes, comments, claps, emojis. But that’s where their support ends.

Why Do People Behave This Way?

I used to ask myself, Why do people do this? Why show so much interest but never act on it?

1. They Love the Idea of Association

Some people like to associate themselves with successful projects and companies. Being seen as connected to an industry leader or an innovative startup makes them look good.

They enjoyed the first meeting and maybe even took a photo to post online (“Great discussion with XYZ company today! Exciting things ahead!”), but they were never serious about working together.

2. They Want to Keep the Door Open—Just in Case

They may not need your business today, but they don’t want to completely burn the bridge. So, they keep engaging, liking, and commenting—just enough to maintain the connection.

If they ever need something from you in the future, they want to be able to reach out without feeling awkward.

3. They Are Just Buying Time

Some individuals make promises without knowing how to execute them. They might not have the decision-making power or are waiting to see if something better comes along.

Meanwhile, you’re waiting, thinking something will materialize—until you realize they were never serious in the first place.

4. They Are Just Looking for Attention

Many people engage with businesses not to support them but to boost their own visibility. They comment and congratulate you not because they genuinely care but because they want to be seen as part of your network.

It’s a branding strategy for them.

Recognizing the Patterns

Over time, I started recognizing the patterns.

  1. The Over-Enthusiastic Starters
    • They hype you up but disappear after the first meeting.
    • You never hear from them again unless you chase them.
  2. The Serial Promisers
    • They say, “We must work together!” whenever they meet you.
    • Nothing ever materializes.
  3. The Silent Opportunists
    • They borrow ideas from your discussions and execute them elsewhere.
    • They never credit you or include you in the project.
  4. The Social Media Supporters
    • They engage with your posts, leaving congratulatory comments.
    • But when they have opportunities, they never involve you.

How to Overcome This Challenge?

It took me a while to figure out how to navigate these situations. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Filter Out the Noise

Not everyone who says they want to collaborate actually means it. Learn to differentiate between real potential partners and those who just like the idea of working with you.

Look for actions, not words.

If someone repeatedly makes promises but never follows through, stop wasting time waiting for them.

2. Set Clear Expectations from the Start

When someone approaches you with an opportunity, be direct.

“That sounds great. What’s the next step?”

If they are serious, they will have an answer. If they hesitate or keep it vague, take it as a sign.

3. Limit Follow-Ups

I used to chase people, sending reminders and follow-ups. Not anymore.

A simple message like, “Hey, just checking in on our discussion. Let me know if you’re still keen.”

If they don’t respond, move on. Don’t waste your energy.

4. Protect Your Ideas

Be mindful of what you share in meetings. Some people just want to extract valuable insights and apply them elsewhere.

Be cautious if you sense that someone is fishing for ideas rather than genuinely wanting to collaborate.

5. Build a Stronger Network of Genuine Supporters

It’s easy to focus on the people who let us down, but the truth is—there are real supporters out there.

Find and nurture relationships with people who genuinely believe in your work and are willing to take action.

6. Focus on Those Who Show Up

Rather than worrying about those who never follow through, give your time and energy to those who do.

The best partnerships happen with people who:
✔ Keep their commitments.
✔ Follow up without being chased.
✔ Include you in opportunities without hesitation.

Final Thoughts: It’s Just Part of the Game

It’s easy to get frustrated with these so-called friends, but the reality is—it’s just part of the game.

People will always say things they don’t mean. They will engage with you for their own reasons, and not all will be genuine.

But that’s okay.

Because once you recognize these patterns, you stop expecting too much. You learn to focus on real opportunities and avoid unnecessary disappointments.

So, the next time someone says, “Let’s work together!”—just smile and think to yourself:

“Let’s see if you mean it.”

Songs of the Heart

POEM

Love from through a song

In a quiet town where whispers roam, 
Lived a man in a modest home. 
He wandered through each quiet day, 
Until he heard a voice that made him stay.

A melody drifted on the breeze, 
A song that brought him to his knees. 
Her voice, like honey, smooth and sweet, 
Called out to him, their souls to meet.

He followed notes through twilight’s glow, 
To find the source of this echo. 
There she stood, with grace and charm, 
Her singing was a soothing balm.

Her eyes met his, a spark ignites, 
Two hearts entwined in love’s delight. 
They sang together, side by side, 
Their voices blending, love their guide.

Each morning brought a new refrain, 
A symphony to ease their pain. 
Their harmonies a pure embrace, 
A testament to love’s sweet grace.

In fields of green, beneath the skies, 
Their songs would rise, their spirits high. 
They sang of dreams and whispered fears, 
Their melodies washed away their tears.

Through winter’s chill and summer’s heat, 
Their love, a song, was always sweet. 
Each note a promise, strong and true, 
Their hearts composed a love anew.

They danced through life, a joyous waltz, 
With every verse, their hearts exalts. 
A duet in life’s grand serenade, 
Their love, a timeless, sweet cascade.

Years rolled by, yet still they sang, 
In perfect harmony, their love rang. 
A bond unbroken, through time’s embrace, 
Their love songs left a tender trace.

And as the twilight years drew near, 
Their voices still rang pure and clear. 
In every note, their love would flow, 
A beautiful song, forever to grow.

So in that town, where whispers roam, 
Lived a man in a loving home. 
He found his heart through her sweet song, 
And together, their love was ever strong.

From Playful Whiskers to Eternal Rest

MY CAT STORIES

The Cat We Loved.

We named him Whiskers, for his whiskers were long,
But soon he became Wiz, a name fit for song.
From a vet he came, a big kitten so sweet,
With playful eyes and a heart full of beat.

He’d chase every ball, leaping high with delight,
And climb up our gates, such a spirited sight.
Too round to slip through the narrow gate’s span,
Yet he’d always find ways to play and to plan.

His playful antics brought laughter and cheer,
His boundless energy made worries disappear.
Hide and seek was his favorite game,
A joyful creature, untamed and unclaimed.

Taming his spirit took patience and time,
Allowing him freedom, a life so sublime.
He’d wander outside, then return to our door,
His joy in exploring we simply adored.

But one fateful day, his vigor declined,
He couldn’t eat or walk, a shadow confined.
The vet gave us news, so heavy, so stark,
HIV and leukemia had left their dark mark.

Diapers and care, we gave him our best,
Our love unwavering through every test.
He grew better, then worse, a cruel fate’s game,
We spent thousands, yet loved him just the same.

Though his weight stayed low, his spirit stayed bright,
But nights away filled us with fright.
We caged him for safety, our hearts filled with pain,
But his health declined, driving us insane.

Saliva dripped from his weakening mouth,
Growing thinner each day, heading south.
One day he collapsed, breath fading away,
In our home, he took his last stay.

We laid him to rest in the yard’s gentle earth,
A testament to love, a life of great worth.
Wiz, our dear friend, forever in our heart,
A cherished memory, we’re never apart.

We loved his meowing, his playful delight,
But we know God’s love is infinite, bright.
Wiz is at peace, no suffering, no pain,
In our hearts, his memory will always remain.

Through sunny days and moonlit nights,
His memory lingers, a beacon of light.
His playful spirit, his loving gaze,
Forever cherished in so many ways.

His whiskers long, his playful purr,
In every corner, we still hear his stir.
Though gone from this world, he’s not far,
For in our hearts, he’s our guiding star.

Wiz, our dear friend, your journey was grand,
From playful leaps to gentle hands.
Rest now, dear Wiz, in eternal peace,
Your love and joy will never cease.

For every ball you chased, for every climb,
For every purr, in our hearts, you’ll chime.
Thank you, dear Wiz, for the love you gave,
In our hearts, your memory we’ll save.

We loved him dearly, his spirit bright,
And now he rests, in the soft moonlight.
Wiz, our friend, forever adored,
In gentle peace, your spirit soared.

Wiz – Rest in Peace

(2019–2024)

The Cat We All Loved.

After a long battle with illness, Wiz finally gave in and took his last breath last night at midnight.

His body had grown increasingly thin, and his saliva constantly drooled.

Despite his appetite remaining good for a while, he continued to lose weight.

Day by day, Wiz grew weaker. The drooling persisted until a few days ago when medication seemed to help, and it stopped.

But it was clear that when confined to his cage, Wiz had no strength left.

Yesterday, we let him outside, hoping he could feel a bit of freedom.

But he was too weak.

When I came home from work, I found him lying there, too exhausted to move.

His eyes were empty, and his breathing labored. My heart shattered seeing him like that.

Let him go… because I can’t bear to see him suffer anymore.

Each loss of a beloved pet rips my heart apart.

I don’t want to keep cats anymore because the pain of losing them is too much to bear.

Let Wiz rest in peace.

Beauty of the Heart vs Beauty of the Soul

POEM

Let their stories through us unfold.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

In the quiet hall of whispers soft and low,

Where Beauty of the Heart and Soul doth show,

Their essence gleams beneath the mortal coil,

A silent duel, their virtues to unfoil.

Beauty of the Heart, a radiant flame,

Burns bright in acts of kindness, love’s true claim.

It dances in the laughter of a child,

In gestures small, in temperaments mild.

Photo by Fa Barboza on Unsplash

Through storms and trials, it remains unswayed,

A beacon firm, in golden light arrayed.

It speaks in tongues of comfort and of care,

In every loving touch, it’s always there.

Yet, Beauty of the Soul, in depths profound,

In silent strength where mysteries abound.

It’s the keeper of the secrets, the dreams we hold,

A deeper ocean, never fully told.

Photo by DESIGNECOLOGIST on Unsplash

It sings in harmony with the stars at night,

A melody that feels both dark and light.

Its wisdom flows through time like a river wide,

In its waters deep, true selves reside.

Both beauties, different, yet the same,

Each playing their own intricate game.

One visible in every selfless deed,

The other, a silent force that all hearts heed.

Photo by Ahmad Odeh on Unsplash

One may argue which holds sway or might,

Which beauty wins, which guides us right.

Yet in the dance of life, they twist and twirl,

In every man and woman, boy and girl.

For heart’s beauty shines in the daylight bright,

In actions warm, in love’s sweet might.

But the soul’s beauty, like the moon’s soft glow,

Illuminates the paths where night winds blow.

Photo by Pin Adventure Map on Unsplash

Together, they weave a tapestry divine,

In the fabric of being, seamlessly they entwine.

One outward pours, the other inward seeks,

In every soul, their balance each heart seeks.

To choose between them would be a folly,

For they exist in all, both melancholy and jolly.

Their confluence, a river of light and shadow,

Carving through life, through joy and sorrow.

Photo by Ilya Shishikhin on Unsplash

In every heart that beats, in every soul that dreams,

In every tear that falls, in every smile that gleams,

Beauty lives, in dual form, entwined,

In every one of us, it’s there to find.

So let us cherish both, heart and soul,

Let their stories through us unfold.

For beauty is not a surface to be seen,

But a light within, where it has always been.

Poem: Through the Lens of Lost Friendship

A Poem of Love and Friendship

Childhood friends – Best of friends. Photo by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

In the heart of rolling hills, beneath the vast, blue sky,

Two souls embarked on life’s journey, side by side, they’d fly.

Raised in the rustic charm of a quaint, rural embrace,

Their laughter echoed in the fields, a heartwarming base.

Two children, pure and free, with dreams as wide as day,

In open fields and whispering woods, together they would play.

Best friends in sunlit meadows, worst enemies by night,

Yet by dawn’s gentle light, they’d find everything all right.

The bond is forever. Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash

Through seasons’ swift transitions, their bond was forged in steel,

In the simplicity of country life, their friendship they’d reveal.

Sharing secrets, hopes, and fears, beneath the old oak tree,

In its shade, they’d ponder life, just where they loved to be.

But as the wheel of time spun on, life’s paths diverged apart,

Each chasing different dreams, yet connected at the heart.

Though miles came between them, their bond remained so strong,

In every whisper of the wind, their friendship tagged along.

As time flies. Photo by Sam McNamara on Unsplash

Years rolled into decades, life’s burdens took their toll,

Yet their shared past and memories played an everlasting role.

Then one day, a letter came, with news that struck like thorns,

One friend was gravely ill, his heart, it mourns and mourns.

The news pierced like winter’s frost through the other’s soul,

Regret for lost time surged, taking an unbearable toll.

Rushing back to that old town, to the fields of their youth,

To stand once more beside his friend, with love and heartfelt truth.

Feeling lonely. Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

In the quiet of a hospital room, hands found each other tight,

Eyes spoke of gratitude, of friendship’s enduring light.

Words were scarce, but unnecessary, for in their silent gaze,

Lay years of shared experiences, the golden childhood days.

They reminisced about the past, of petty fights and games,

Of dreams they had as children, before life changed their aims.

In those final moments, their past conflicts seemed so small,

For now, just being together was the greatest gift of all.

Best friend forever. Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

As the sun set on one life, the other held him close,

Whispering tearful goodbyes, love was what mattered most.

And when the final breath was drawn, and tears like rivers flowed,

The living friend knew in his heart, their bond would forever glow.

Though one had departed, their friendship would never fade,

For in the heart of the survivor, those childhood memories stayed.

In every whisper of the wind, in every rustling leaf,

He’d feel his friend’s presence, in joy, in love, in grief.

Their story tells of friendship’s force, beyond life’s fleeting span,

A bond that weathers every storm, since their shared tale began.

For in the essence of their souls, they were more than friends, they were kin,

A testament to love’s enduring power, held deeply within.

Love of friendship. Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash

Poem: Chapters of the Heart – A Lifelong Love

A Poem of Love

Photo by Artur Tumasjan on Unsplash

In the halls of youth where our journeys began,

Among the echoes of laughter, a timeless tale ran.

From the first shared glance in a crowded room,

We nurtured a love that would endlessly bloom.

Through the scribbled notes and stolen looks,

We wrote our story, not found in books.

With every passing day, our bond grew strong,

In a world of our own, where we belonged.

From the rush of youth to the calm of age,

Our love was the constant, through every stage.

Through triumphs and trials, joy and despair,

Our hearts remained one, an inseparable pair.

In the golden years, with our hair turned gray,

We reminisced about that first day.

The spark that ignited, so bright and warm,

Survived every storm, every reform.

With hands intertwined, we walked the path,

Guided by love, no aftermath.

From the bloom of youth to the autumn of life,

We stood together, husband and wife.

Our children grew, with wings to soar,

Leaving echoes of laughter, memories galore.

And then came the day, a new chapter to start,

Grandchildren arrived, joy of our heart.

Photo by Jessica Hearn on Unsplash

In their eyes, we saw our past,

A love so profound, built to last.

Through their laughter, our legacy lived,

A testament to the love we always give.

Now here we sit, under the twilight sky,

Watching the stars, time passing by.

From the schoolyard days to the golden years,

Our journey was filled with shared cheers.

For in every wrinkle, every line,

Lies a memory, distinctly thine.

And as we gaze into the sunset, bright,

We know our love will endure the night.

So here’s to us, from start to end,

Lover, soulmate, and best friend.

From the moment we met, to our last breath,

Our love remains, beyond life, beyond death.

Photo by bennett tobias on Unsplash

“To Love” in 15 Ways

Image created using Canva by Author

“To love is to embark on a journey of continuous growth and self-discovery, where possession gives way to learning, stagnation yields to progress, and ignorance transforms into knowledge. Love thrives in adaptation and innovation, resisting conformity and fostering perseverance. It builds resilience and embraces challenges, rejecting settling for comfort. Love is a path of evolution, not stagnation, leading to the creation of new opportunities and eventual success, leaving destruction behind.”

To love is to learn, not to possess.

To love is to grow, not to stagnate.

To love is to discover, not to remain ignorant.

To love is to adapt, not to resist change.

To love is to innovate, not to conform.

To love is to persevere, not to quit.

To love is to build resilience, not to weaken.

To love is to gain experience, not to lack it.

To love is to challenge yourself, not to settle.

To love is to progress, not to regress.

To love is to embrace opportunity, not to fear it.

To love is to succeed eventually, not to be defeated.

To love is to evolve, not to remain static.

To love is to find new paths, not to be stuck in old ones.

To love is to create, not to destroy.

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