Tag: Malaysia

Let’s Make IoT Great Again — The Malaysian Comeback We’ve Been Waiting For

“Malaysia’s not ready yet…”

You’ve heard that line, haven’t you?
I’ve heard it in government meetings, corporate pitches, startup huddles, even in university halls.

“Let’s wait for the right timing.”
“Let’s see if the budget gets approved.”
“Let’s hold until the talent pool matures.”

Enough waiting. Seriously.

Because if we keep hitting pause, someone else is going to press play — and leave us behind in the dust.

South Korea Didn’t Wait. China Didn’t Either.

In the 1980s, South Korea was still recovering and rebuilding.
In the 1990s, China was just finding its footing on the world stage.

They weren’t “ready” either.

But they moved.
They dared.
They started.

And now? The world watches them. Learns from them. Competes with them.

Malaysia, it’s our turn. But only if we dare to move — even if it’s messy.

Whatever Happened to IoT?

I still remember when IoT was the darling of tech conferences.

Smart cities.
Smart farming.
Smart industries.
Smart everything.

IoT was the buzzword. The future.

But slowly, it faded. AI came in with a bang — and now even school kids are doing AI projects. Meanwhile, IoT became the forgotten tech. The backup dancer.

But guess what? IoT never went away. It just stopped trending.

And that’s not fair — because IoT is the foundation.
No IoT, no data.
No data, no AI.
No AI, no “smart” anything.

We’ve been cheering for AI, but forgot where AI gets its brain food — real-world data from IoT devices.

So let’s bring IoT back to the main stage.

Waiting for a Masterplan? Here’s the Truth.

Malaysia loves blueprints. Loves roadmaps. Loves waiting for official green lights.

But progress rarely comes from the top. It starts in the cracks.
In university labs.
In garage workshops.
In kopitiam brainstorms.
In “I-don’t-know-coding-but-I’ll-try” kinda attitude.

You don’t need to be a coding wizard.
You don’t need RM100,000.
You just need the guts to start.

Platforms like FAVORIOT make it ridiculously easy to test, build, and learn. Plug and play. Create a dashboard. Get alerts. It’s not rocket science anymore.

And you don’t need permission to innovate.

Here’s My Challenge to You

I’m not asking you to build Malaysia’s next unicorn startup tomorrow.

I’m asking you to:

  • Build a small IoT project with your kids.
  • Monitor your home’s electricity using sensors.
  • Start a DIY smart farm with friends.
  • Teach students how to send data to the cloud.
  • Connect a temperature sensor to a dashboard just because you can.

Each small project creates momentum.
Each momentum builds confidence.
Each confidence turns into a movement.

Imagine hundreds — no, thousands — of these projects happening across Malaysia. That’s not hype. That’s ecosystem-building.

Start Small. Start Messy. But Please—Start Now.

Let’s stop worrying if it’ll fail. Let’s stop doubting ourselves.

Failure is part of the story.

Every successful nation, every great tech innovation — it all started with people trying, failing, adjusting, and trying again.

If we want Malaysia to lead in IoT, we need to stop talking and start doing.

Because:

  • The technology is already here.
  • The talent is growing.
  • The platforms are local and ready.
  • The excuses are tired.

The Revival Starts Here — and With Us

I’m writing this not just as someone in the IoT industry, but as a Malaysian who’s tired of hearing “We’re not ready.”

What if we stopped asking for permission?
What if we trusted ourselves to build something great from the ground up?
What if our “small” becomes the next big thing in Southeast Asia?

This isn’t a government-only mission. This isn’t a corporate-only opportunity.

This is everyone’s movement.

If we wait for perfect conditions, we’ll never move.

So let’s stop waiting. Let’s start building.

Malaysia, This Is Your IoT Moment

It’s not about who’s ahead now. It’s about who dares to start — and keeps going.

We’ve got what it takes.

Let’s build the sensors.
Let’s write the code.
Let’s run the dashboards.
Let’s fix the bugs.
Let’s train the students.
Let’s test the ideas.
Let’s MAKE MISTAKES.

And let’s make IoT great again — in our own Malaysian way.

Not by following others, but by leading with bold, messy action.

Are you in?

A New Chapter Begins: My Heartfelt Mission for Malaysia’s IoT Future

Alhamdulillah.
There are moments in life that make you pause. Not because you’re unsure—but because you feel the weight of something bigger than yourself. Being appointed as the Deputy Chairman of the Malaysia IoT Association is one of those moments for me.

I didn’t chase this title. It found me after years of walking the path—failing, building, sharing, writing, and dreaming about how technology could transform our nation. And now, I’ve been entrusted with a greater purpose: to carry the hopes of a growing community of changemakers and to help shape a future that belongs to every Malaysian.

This isn’t just a new role. It’s a calling.

This Land is Full of Potential

Malaysia is not short of talent. We are not short of ideas. But for far too long, we’ve been stuck in wait mode—waiting for foreign platforms, waiting for permission, waiting for funding. We must break that cycle. We must choose action.

Because Malaysia doesn’t need to follow trends anymore.
We have what it takes to create them.

The Role of IoT in Our Nation’s Story

Let’s get one thing straight—IoT is no longer about devices.

It’s about connecting hearts and systems.
It’s about bridging rural and urban, old and new, human and machine.
It’s about giving our nation eyes that can see in real time and ears that can listen before disaster strikes.

From the farms of FELDA to the traffic lights of KL…
From lecture halls to factory floors…
IoT is not just a tool. It’s a lifeline.

And what many don’t realise is—AI needs data.
But not just any data. It needs real-world, real-time, reliable data.
And IoT is the only way we can feed that intelligence.

A Personal Mission, A National Cause

So what do I see ahead?

I see a Malaysia that no longer depends on imported systems we don’t control.
I see homegrown platforms like FAVORIOT becoming the national backbone.
I see students graduating not with theoretical knowledge—but with hands-on IoT skills, certified and industry-ready.
Every Majlis Perbandaran has its own IoT dashboard, managing waste, lighting, traffic, and water in real-time.
I see SMEs embracing smart automation—not fearing it.

But more than anything…

I see people—living safer, healthier, and more connected lives.

The Time is Now

Some say we’re not ready yet.
But if we keep waiting for perfect conditions, we’ll never move.
Neither was Korea ready in the 1980s. Or China in the 1990s. But they moved.
And now the world watches them.

It’s our turn.
Let’s start messy. Let’s start small.
But most importantly—let’s start now.

To the Silent Fighters

To every young innovator quietly coding in a dorm room.
To every lecturer who buys sensors out of pocket to teach their students.
To every entrepreneur who builds despite rejection after rejection.

I see you.
And in this new role, I carry your hopes with me.

Let us walk this path together—not because it’s easy. But because it matters.

A Final Word from the Heart

This journey is no longer mine alone. It belongs to all of us who believe in a better digital Malaysia.

To those who built the foundation before me—thank you.
To my peers in MyIoTA and the wider tech community—I’m ready to stand with you.
And to the next generation—we’re building this for you.

Let’s make IoT not just a technology—but a legacy.
Let’s make Malaysia not just relevant—but revolutionary.

The future doesn’t wait.
And neither should we.

Bismillah. We begin.

Favoriot and PT Lima Dua Satu Indonesia Join Forces to Boost Indonesia’s 100 Smart Cities Movement

FAVORIOT NEWS

FAVORIOT GLOBAL PARTNER

Jakarta, Indonesia — Favoriot, a prominent IoT platform provider, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PT Lima Dua Satu Indonesia on October 7, 2024, to support Indonesia’s ambitious 100 Smart Cities Movement.

This collaboration underscores their commitment to driving technological innovation and sustainable urban development in Indonesia.

Aligning with the 100 Smart Cities Movement

Indonesia’s 100 Smart Cities Movement, initiated in 2017, aims to transform 100 cities into smart, sustainable urban centres by 2045. The initiative addresses key urban challenges such as traffic congestion, inefficient waste management, and limited access to public services by integrating advanced technologies.

Favoriot’s partnership with PT Lima Dua Satu Indonesia directly supports this vision by introducing scalable IoT solutions tailored to the unique needs of Indonesian cities.

Dr. Mazlan Abbas, CEO of Favoriot, expressed optimism about the partnership’s impact: “This collaboration with PT Lima Dua Satu Indonesia represents a shared vision of leveraging IoT to solve urban challenges. Together, we aim to empower city administrators with real-time data and insights to make informed decisions that improve citizens’ quality of life.”

IoT Solutions for Urban Transformation

Through this partnership, Favoriot’s robust IoT platform will be deployed to address core areas identified in the smart city framework:

  • Traffic Management: IoT sensors and analytics tools will monitor traffic patterns, helping city officials manage congestion and plan better transportation networks.
  • Waste Management: Smart waste bins with IoT sensors will optimise waste collection routes, reducing costs and environmental impact.
  • Energy Efficiency: IoT-enabled energy monitoring systems will support smart grid implementations, ensuring efficient use of energy resources.
  • Public Safety: IoT devices such as smart cameras and motion sensors will enhance security and emergency response systems.

PT Lima Dua Satu Indonesia’s local expertise will facilitate the seamless implementation of these solutions, ensuring they align with each city’s specific requirements.

Supporting Smart City Initiatives in Jatinangor

The collaboration also aims to complement smart city initiatives like the development of Jatinangor in Sumedang Regency.

Favoriot’s IoT platform can support these initiatives by:

  • Enhancing Connectivity: Providing IoT solutions to integrate data from different urban systems for better decision-making.
  • Improving Resource Management: Offering tools to optimise the use of energy, water, and waste management in growing urban areas like Jatinangor.
  • Encouraging Collaborative Efforts: Bridging government and private sector cooperation to accelerate the realisation of smart city goals.

With PT Lima Dua Satu Indonesia’s local knowledge and Favoriot’s technological expertise, this partnership can strengthen the foundation of smart city projects in smaller yet strategic areas like Jatinangor, further contributing to the nationwide 100 Smart Cities Movement.

Supporting Indonesia’s Digital Transformation Goals

The MOU aligns with the broader goals of “Making Indonesia 4.0,” a national roadmap that prioritises digital transformation as a key driver of economic growth.

The partnership also aims to build a skilled workforce capable of managing and innovating within the IoT ecosystem by providing training programs and workshops.

This collaborative effort will foster a vibrant digital economy while addressing urbanisation challenges.

Accelerating Smart City Adoption

One of the critical success factors for the 100 Smart Cities Movement is the integration of advanced technologies to create citizen-centric solutions. Favoriot’s IoT platform, combined with PT Lima Dua Satu Indonesia’s local insights, will:

  • Empower city governments with data-driven tools for decision-making.
  • Enable seamless collaboration between public and private stakeholders.
  • Deliver innovative applications that enhance urban living standards.

By focusing on practical and scalable IoT applications, this partnership can accelerate the adoption of smart city initiatives and inspire confidence in the feasibility of achieving Indonesia’s goal of 100 smart cities by 2045.

Looking Ahead

As Indonesia pushes forward with its smart city agenda, collaborations like this MOU are pivotal in transforming urban areas into sustainable and digitally connected communities.

Favoriot and PT Lima Dua Satu Indonesia’s joint efforts are poised to set a benchmark for how IoT can address real-world challenges, making the dream of 100 smart cities a reality.

The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 11: The Rocky Road of Smart Cities

The Allure of Smart Cities

When I first entered the world of Smart Cities in 2015, I was brimming with excitement. The concept was mesmerizing — technology could transform urban living, making cities more efficient, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of their citizens.

Imagine a city where traffic jams are minimized through intelligent transportation systems, waste collection is optimized, and city services are seamlessly integrated into residents’ lives. It was hard not to get excited about being part of this transformation.

However, what seemed like an adventure full of promise quickly became a reality check. I soon realized that the road from idealism to realism was filled with unforeseen challenges, complex processes, and harsh lessons. The idea of Smart Cities was perfect on paper but far more complicated in practice.

The Birth of an Idea: A Reporting App for Citizens

It all began with a simple yet ambitious idea — a citizen reporting app called Favorsense. This app would allow people to report issues like potholes, broken streetlights, and uncollected trash directly to local councils.

Not only that, but users could also track the progress of their complaints, bringing a new level of transparency and accountability to local governance. We believed we had created the perfect solution for improving city management. Our plan was to roll it out to all local councils across Malaysia through a cloud-based system. It felt like a game-changer.

Initial Optimism: “How Hard Can It Be?”

I remember thinking, “Surely, local councils will embrace this innovation!” After all, who wouldn’t want to improve city services and engage better with citizens? The app could streamline operations and boost efficiency overnight.

But my optimism didn’t last long. The first few meetings with local councils were eye-opening, and the challenges were more significant than I had anticipated.

The Harsh Reality: An Open Can of Worms

The first major hurdle was convincing local councils to adopt and pay for the system. It wasn’t that they didn’t see the value; it was more about what the app would reveal.

The app was like an open can of worms. It exposed inefficiencies and shortcomings in city services that many preferred to keep hidden. Some council representatives resisted, saying, “We can build this ourselves.” Others attempted to create their own versions, only to end up with poorly developed solutions that didn’t work.

The Sobering Realization: “Why Isn’t Anyone Using It?”

Once the app was launched, another issue arose: nobody seemed to use it. Despite its simplicity and functionality, citizens remained unaware of its existence.

The question haunted us: “Why isn’t anyone using it?” We had assumed that just building a great app would be enough to drive adoption. Unfortunately, we learned that even the best ideas need proper promotion and education to succeed.

Copycats and Tough Decisions

As if things weren’t challenging enough, we soon saw copycat apps emerge. Competitors replicated our idea, flooding the market with similar solutions.

It was disheartening. After some time, we made the difficult decision to stop supporting the app. This was a painful lesson in the realities of the Smart Cities market—not every great idea translates into success.

Nine Years of Persistence

Fast forward nearly nine years, and my company, FAVORIOT, is still trying to penetrate the Smart Cities segment. It’s been a long and challenging road. We even joined the Malaysia Smart City Alliance Association (MSCA), hoping it would provide easier market access.

Being part of the alliance did offer new perspectives, but the reality was still complicated. Building Smart Cities in Malaysia is a long and tedious process, fraught with uncertainties and obstacles.

The Complexity of Building Smart Cities in Malaysia

One of the most common questions I hear from local councils is, “Where do we even start?”

Without clear Smart City Indicators to guide them, many cities don’t know how to begin their transformation. There is a lack of a unified vision, confusion about priorities, and an overwhelming sense of inertia.

Talent Gap and Slow Decision-Making

Another significant challenge is the talent gap. Many local councils lack professionals with the expertise to manage Smart City initiatives.

Decision-making is painfully slow, with proposals often stuck in layers of bureaucracy.

And then there’s politics. Decision-making in public projects often involves political interests, making things even more complicated.

The Funding Dilemma

Perhaps the biggest challenge of all is funding. Most local councils don’t have the budget to implement Smart City solutions. When they seek financing, they often turn to private companies with a risky proposition:

“We want you to fund everything upfront. Maybe you’ll see a return on your investment later.”

It’s a tough sell because most local council services don’t generate revenue. Their true value lies in cost savings, operational efficiency, and improved quality of life for citizens — concepts that don’t always resonate with decision-makers seeking immediate financial returns.

Greenfield vs. Brownfield Cities

Not all cities are created equal. Greenfield cities — built from scratch — have different challenges than brownfield cities, which are older and more developed.

Each type of city presents unique obstacles, making it difficult to scale solutions across multiple locations. What works in one city may fail in another, adding to the complexity of Smart City projects.

The Frustration of Endless Trials

I’ve also encountered the frustrating trend of endless trials. “Let’s start with a proof of concept,” they often say.

However, many of these trials never progress beyond the testing phase. They fizzle out, leaving everyone involved feeling disillusioned.

The Reality of Smart Cities in Malaysia

Whenever I hear someone proudly mention the number of Smart Cities launched in Malaysia, I approach it cautiously. Many so-called Smart Cities are proof-of-concept projects that never complete full-scale implementation.

A Strategic Shift: Diversifying Beyond Smart Cities

Given the challenges, we had to make some tough decisions at FAVORIOT. While we remain involved in Smart Cities, we’ve diversified our focus. We started taking on other IoT projects in industries like manufacturing and agriculture.

We couldn’t afford to put all our eggs in the Smart Cities basket. It was a matter of survival.

Balancing Ambition with Practicality

I’m still passionate about the potential of Smart Cities, but I’ve learned to balance ambition with practicality. Not every solution will become a commercial success, and that’s okay.

Smart Cities are an exciting concept, but they’re also highly complex. We must be smart about where we invest our time and resources.

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back, the journey has been both humbling and enlightening. The Smart Cities market wasn’t the easy win I had imagined. Still, the experience taught me valuable lessons about persistence, adaptability, and the realities of innovation.

Who knows? The next big breakthrough may be just around the corner.

Until then, we keep moving forward — wiser, more resilient, and ready for whatever comes next.

More Favoriot Entrepreneurship Stories

  1. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 11: The Rocky Road of Smart Cities
  2. The Story Behind Favoriot — Part 10: Age Does Not Matter in Business
  3. The Story Behind Favoriot — Part 9: Leaving the Comfort Zone
  4. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 8: The Frustration of Unanswered Emails and Missed Opportunities
  5. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 7: The Task of Finding Favoriot’s First 10 Customers
  6. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 6: Expanding The Business Models
  7. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 5: Finding the Right Fit
  8. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 4: How Favoriot Became More Than Just an IoT Platform
  9. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 3: Why No One Wanted Our IoT Platform—And How We Turned It Around
  10. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 2: Turning Failures into Milestones
  11. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part I: The Humble Beginnings of Favoriot

The Secret to Faster, More Scalable IoT Deployments for System Integrators

IOT WORLD

Why System Integrators Should Embrace the Favoriot Platform for IoT Solutions

Businesses increasingly leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance efficiency and unlock new revenue opportunities.

At the heart of these initiatives are system integrators (SIs), whose expertise in connecting diverse devices, protocols, and systems is vital to the success of IoT deployments.

Despite their pivotal role, SIs often face challenges that hinder their progress and complicate projects.

Challenges in Building IoT Solutions

Developing IoT solutions is far from straightforward.

System integrators must juggle various device protocols, manage massive volumes of real-time data, ensure robust security, and scale projects as they grow.

These complexities can lead to prolonged development cycles, labour-intensive custom coding, and fragmented implementations.

As a result, SIs often find it challenging to innovate and meet evolving customer demands.

The Need for Streamlined IoT Deployments

How can system integrators overcome these hurdles and deliver reliable, scalable IoT solutions more efficiently?

Adopting a platform that simplifies and accelerates IoT project development and management is the answer.

Introducing the Favoriot Platform

Favoriot offers a comprehensive solution tailored to the needs of system integrators.

Its secure, scalable cloud environment supports multiple communication protocols, enabling seamless connectivity for diverse IoT devices.

With real-time data ingestion and analytics capabilities, the platform reduces the complexity of managing large-scale deployments.

Favoriot also provides customisable dashboards and API integrations, allowing SIs to effortlessly transform raw data into actionable insights.

Security and Scalability for Confidence

Security and scalability are at the core of the Favoriot platform.

System integrators can confidently deploy solutions that meet industry standards while ensuring their projects can grow alongside their customers’ needs.

By minimising the need for time-consuming custom integrations, Favoriot frees up SIs to focus on delivering value-added services that differentiate them in the market.

Faster Time-to-Market with Favoriot

By leveraging Favoriot, system integrators can significantly reduce project timelines.

The platform’s unified approach eliminates many technical challenges, enabling SIs to bring solutions to market faster.

This efficiency enhances productivity and strengthens customer relationships by delivering reliable results.

Empowering Innovation in IoT

Favoriot equips system integrators with the tools to excel in a competitive IoT landscape.

By simplifying the complexities of IoT projects, the platform allows SIs to concentrate on driving innovation and meeting customer expectations.

With Favoriot, system integrators can unlock the full potential of IoT, creating scalable solutions that deliver lasting impact.

IoT in Malaysia — Twenty (20) 2025 Predictions

Looking at the crystal ball

Image created by ChatGPT

When I look back on how far IoT has come, I can’t help but feel both amazed and excited. In the early days, IoT was just a concept – a dream of connecting things to improve lives.

But here we are, entering the year 2025, and IoT is no longer just an idea; it’s becoming the backbone of how we live, work, and play.

Let me walk you through what IoT will look like in 2025.

These are not just random guesses but predictions rooted in years of working in this space and observing its evolution.

  1. Massive IoT Deployment Across Industries

“Isn’t IoT already everywhere?” someone might ask.

My answer would be: Not yet, but we’re getting there.

By 2025, IoT will become integral to manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, energy, and even retail industries.

Factories will use IoT sensors to monitor machinery in real-time, predicting maintenance needs before breakdowns occur.

Farmers will optimise irrigation and fertiliser use through IoT-connected systems, maximising yields while conserving resources.

It’s not just about saving money; it’s about making better decisions.

IoT will help businesses operate more efficiently, reduce waste, and, most importantly, stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.

2. AI-Driven IoT Solutions (AIoT)

When discussing IoT, people often ask, “What about artificial intelligence?”

The truth is that IoT and AI are like two sides of the same coin.

By 2025, the fusion of these technologies – what we call AIoT – will redefine what’s possible.

Imagine traffic lights that adapt to real-time traffic conditions or healthcare devices that predict potential health risks based on continuous monitoring.

This integration will make systems smarter and more autonomous.

Instead of just collecting data, IoT devices will analyse and act on it. It’s not just IoT anymore; it’s intelligent IoT.

3. Sustainability Through IoT

Sustainability is no longer a buzzword – it’s a necessity.

Companies and governments increasingly turn to IoT to tackle environmental challenges.

In 2025, I expect IoT to play a central role in achieving sustainability goals.

For example, IoT-enabled smart grids will help us manage energy consumption more efficiently.

Sensors will monitor air and water quality in real time, allowing us to respond to environmental issues faster.

The idea of a “smart city” is not just about convenience; it’s about creating sustainable and liveable cities. IoT will help us achieve that vision.

4. Proliferation of Edge Computing

Edge computing is something I often talk about when discussing the future of IoT.

It’s a game-changer. Instead of sending all the data to the cloud for processing, edge computing allows devices to process data locally.

This reduces latency and ensures faster responses.

In 2025, edge computing will become indispensable, especially for applications like autonomous vehicles and industrial automation.

Imagine a self-driving car needing to make a split-second decision – there’s no time to send data to a cloud server and wait for a response.

That’s where edge computing comes in.

5. IoT in Healthcare

The healthcare sector is where I see IoT making the most profound impact.

By 2025, wearable devices will go beyond tracking steps or heart rates. They’ll become essential tools for remote patient monitoring.

I envision a world where doctors can receive real-time data about their patients, enabling early intervention and better outcomes.

This is personal because I’ve always believed technology should serve humanity.

IoT in healthcare isn’t just about gadgets; it’s about saving lives and improving the quality of care.

6. Smart Cities Moving Beyond Pilots

If you’ve followed my work, you know I’m passionate about smart cities.

But here’s the thing – many smart city projects are still stuck in the pilot phase.

By 2025, that will change. We’ll see full-scale implementation of IoT solutions for traffic management, utilities, waste management, and public safety.

I often tell people that a smart city isn’t about fancy gadgets; it’s about using technology to make cities more efficient and liveable. IoT will be at the heart of this transformation.

7. IoT Security as a Priority

Let me share a concern that keeps me up at night: IoT security.

As IoT devices become more widespread, they become more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

In 2025, IoT security will take centre stage.

Companies will invest heavily in secure-by-design devices, and blockchain technology may play a role in enhancing protection.

We can’t afford to ignore this. If we want IoT to succeed, security must be a priority.

8. Democratisation of IoT

Here’s an exciting trend: IoT is becoming more accessible.

Low-code and no-code platforms make it easier for small businesses and startups to develop IoT solutions without extensive technical expertise. B

y 2025, I see this trend accelerating, democratising IoT and enabling innovation from unexpected places.

9. IoT for Disaster Management

Climate change is making natural disasters more frequent and severe.

IoT can be a powerful tool for disaster management.

Imagine early warning systems that use IoT sensors to monitor weather conditions in real-time.

In 2025, IoT will play a critical role in disaster preparedness and response especially in cases of flood.

10. Growth of IoT Ecosystems in Emerging Markets

One of the things I’m most excited about is the growth of IoT in emerging markets like Southeast Asia.

By 2025, countries like Malaysia will see a surge in IoT adoption driven by government support and affordable devices.

This will create opportunities for innovation and economic growth.

11. Advanced IoT Analytics

IoT isn’t just about collecting data; it’s about making sense of it.

By 2025, advanced analytics will become a standard part of IoT solutions.

Businesses will use descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics to extract actionable insights, improving decision-making and operational efficiency.

12. National IoT Technology Roadmaps

In Malaysia, we’ve already launched several technology roadmaps focusing on IoT, AI, and blockchain.

By 2025, these roadmaps will guide the development of IoT ecosystems, creating opportunities for local talent and businesses.

13. IoT in Energy and Utilities

Energy efficiency will be a significant focus in 2025.

IoT-enabled smart meters and predictive maintenance systems will help optimise energy usage and reduce waste.

This is not just good for the environment but also for businesses and consumers.

14. Personalised Consumer Experiences

IoT is also transforming retail and marketing.

By 2025, IoT will enable hyper-personalised consumer experiences, using real-time data to predict and meet individual needs.

15. IoT in Education

Lastly, I see IoT transforming education.

Smart classrooms equipped with IoT devices will provide real-time feedback on student engagement and learning outcomes.

This will help educators tailor their approaches to meet the needs of individual students.

Conclusion

These are my predictions for IoT in 2025.

Some may seem ambitious, but I firmly believe we’re heading in this direction.

IoT has the potential to transform industries, improve lives, and create a more sustainable world.

The question is: Are we ready to embrace it?

As someone deeply passionate about IoT, I’m committed to helping make this vision a reality.

Let’s shape the future together.

Scaling IoT Globally: Favoriot’s Journey to Connect the World

The Right Time for Favoriot to Go Global with Its Global Partner Program

Since its inception in 2017, Favoriot has tried empowering IoT developers with a seamless and user-friendly platform.

The Favoriot platform, offered as a B2C solution, has steadily gained traction among developers worldwide, enabling individuals from around the globe to subscribe easily.

By the end of December 2024, the platform had reached an impressive milestone — 111 countries and over 9,200 developers actively leveraging its capabilities.

However, as the IoT ecosystem grew and diversified, it became evident that this was only scratching the surface of Favoriot’s potential.

The question was no longer about whether Favoriot could expand globally but how to scale effectively and make a more significant impact.

While the numbers reflect an inspiring reach, the challenge lies in converting these individual users into broader enterprise implementations. This realisation set the stage for a transformative strategy to take Favoriot’s vision to the next level.

Understanding the Challenges of Going Global

Reaching users overseas is no simple task.

It’s not just about having a great product; it’s about ensuring that the product resonates with the specific needs, regulations, and challenges of different markets.

While the Favoriot platform has always been accessible worldwide, making a lasting impact in foreign markets requires a consistent and relentless marketing effort.

Each country has its complexities, ranging from language barriers to cultural differences and even unique technological and regulatory requirements.

For instance, many countries prioritise data sovereignty, insisting that sensitive data remain within their borders to comply with local policies.

This was a significant hurdle for Favoriot’s initial B2C model, which was designed to operate primarily on a global cloud infrastructure.

The Birth of the Favoriot Enterprise Platform

Recognising these challenges, the team began rethinking its approach.

The solution wasn’t just about increasing subscriptions — it was about localising the platform to better cater to the needs of enterprise clients and government institutions.

This was where the Favoriot Enterprise Platform was born.

Introduced in 2024, the Enterprise Platform was a game-changer for Favoriot. Unlike the traditional model, the Enterprise version was designed to support localised implementations, allowing the platform to be hosted within a country’s borders.

This directly addressed concerns about data sovereignty and compliance with customer policies, making it a more attractive option for large-scale deployments in industries like healthcare, transportation, agriculture, and smart cities.

The platform offers unlimited APIs, with no restrictions on the number of devices connected or APIs utilised, bundled with a perpetual license.

This flexibility and scalability made it a compelling choice for enterprises looking to invest in IoT solutions without worrying about a subscription-based model’s hidden costs or constraints.

The Strategic Role of Global Partners

Launching the Favoriot Enterprise Platform opened up new opportunities and brought a new challenge — how to market and deploy this enterprise-grade solution globally.

The solution is forming partnerships with system integrators and distributors in different countries.

In 2024, Favoriot introduced the Favoriot Global Partner Program, which intends to build a network of trusted partners who could act as system integrators and distributors.

These partners would bring invaluable local expertise, enabling the platform to be tailored to the specific needs of their markets.

The idea was simple but powerful: work with partners who share the same IoT vision and empower them to take Favoriot to new heights in their respective regions.

By becoming the face of Favoriot in their countries, these partners could engage directly with customers, implement the platform, and provide ongoing support.

The partnership model is not just about distribution — it’s about collaboration. Partners can leverage each other’s strengths, engage in cross-selling and cross-marketing activities, and grow their businesses alongside Favoriot.

This creates a win-win situation, fostering mutual growth and ensuring the platform’s success in diverse markets.

Setting Ambitious Goals for 2025

The Favoriot Global Partner Program is not just a short-term strategy; it’s a long-term vision.

For 2025, Favoriot has set an ambitious but achievable goal: to establish partnerships in 25 countries. This means onboarding 25 partners to champion the platform, drive its adoption, and integrate it into their local ecosystems.

Why 25 countries?

This number reflects a strategic focus on markets with high growth potential for IoT.

The program can maximise its impact by carefully selecting partners aligned with Favoriot’s vision and with strong local networks and market knowledge.

Through these partnerships, Favoriot can overcome the barriers of entering foreign markets, such as regulatory hurdles and cultural nuances, while expanding its reach and influence.

The program also enables partners to innovate by combining their local expertise with the technical capabilities of the Favoriot platform.

A Win-Win Strategy for a Global IoT Ecosystem

The Global Partner Program is built on the principle of shared success. For partners, it provides an opportunity to offer a proven IoT platform to their clients, backed by Favoriot’s support and expertise.

For Favoriot, it allows the company to scale its operations without being bogged down by the intricacies of directly managing local markets.

By working with partners, Favoriot can focus on its core mission — empowering IoT developers and enterprises to build smarter, more connected solutions — while its partners drive localisation and implementation.

This synergy is key to the program’s success.

Why Now Is the Right Time

Timing is everything in business, and the decision to go global with the Favoriot Global Partner Program in 2024 couldn’t have been more opportune.

The platform’s footprint in 111 countries and over 9,200 developers demonstrates its global appeal.

However, this traction needs to be converted into tangible enterprise adoption, which the Enterprise Platform and the Global Partner Program are uniquely positioned to achieve.

Furthermore, as IoT continues to gain momentum globally, the demand for localised, scalable, and flexible solutions is growing.

Enterprises are looking for partners who can provide technology and the expertise to implement it effectively.

Favoriot, with its platform and partner-centric strategy, is perfectly poised to meet this demand.

The journey ahead is challenging, but Favoriot is ready to make its mark on the global IoT landscape with the right partners and a clear vision.

The time to go global is now, and Favoriot is stepping forward with confidence, determination, and a strategy that promises growth for everyone involved.

What it Takes to Build a National AI Centre

This wasn’t just about building a center. It was about building Malaysia’s future.

It all started with a question. “Dr. Mazlan, do you think Malaysia needs a national AI center?”

At first, I paused. It was a question I had been grappling with for some time, but hearing it from others made me realize just how urgent the conversation had become. Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just a buzzword anymore; it’s a transformative technology already reshaping industries worldwide. And if we don’t act now, we risk being left behind.

The first time I was asked this question, I remember sitting at a roundtable discussion with some of Malaysia’s top tech leaders. I could feel the weight of the moment. This wasn’t just an academic debate but a call to action.

“Yes,” I replied firmly. “We need a national AI center.”

But the follow-up questions came quickly. “What does it take to build such a center? How do we ensure its success? What infrastructure do we need? And what about talent? Can Malaysia really compete on a global stage?”

I found myself reflecting on my experience building Favoriot. There were striking similarities between the early challenges we faced with IoT and the new hurdles with AI. In both cases, it wasn’t just about the technology. It was about creating an ecosystem where innovation could thrive, talent could flourish, and industries could benefit.

Setting up a national AI center is the same. It’s about creating the right conditions for AI to impact meaningfully across sectors.

The Infrastructure Dilemma

Everyone seems to ask the first question: What infrastructure does a national AI center need?

It’s a fair question I’ve spent much time pondering. From my experience with Favoriot, I learned that infrastructure is the foundation upon which everything else is built. Without suitable systems, you’re doomed to fail before you even begin.

For AI, this means investing heavily in computational power. You can’t have AI without data, and you can’t process that data without high-performance computing. But it’s not just about raw computing power. We must consider the entire data pipeline — from storage and processing to analysis and action.

As I was explaining this to a colleague recently, I compared our early days at Favoriot. “Remember when we first started building our IoT platform?” I asked. “We underestimated how much data we’d need to handle, and we were constantly upgrading our servers. AI will be like that but on a much larger scale.”

We’ll need data centers that can scale to handle current demand and future growth. The cloud will be a critical part of this, as will edge computing, particularly for real-time applications. And then there’s the question of connectivity. Malaysia’s digital infrastructure is improving, but there’s still work to be done. We’ll need 5G to ensure the high-speed, low-latency networks that AI applications depend on.

I remember thinking about the logistics of all this. “Where do we even start?” I asked myself. “How do we ensure the infrastructure we build today isn’t obsolete tomorrow?”

It’s a daunting challenge but not an impossible one. With the right partnerships — local telcos and international tech companies — we can build the infrastructure an AI center needs to thrive.

Talent: The Heart of AI

As crucial as infrastructure is, it’s not the only thing that matters. The next big question is talent.

“Do we have enough AI talent in Malaysia?” someone asked me recently.

I paused. “Not yet,” I admitted. “But we can get there.”

Talent will be the most critical factor in determining whether or not a national AI centre succeeds. We need data scientists, machine learning engineers, AI researchers, and a host of other specialists who understand the nuances of AI.

I’ve seen this firsthand at Favoriot. Finding people who understood IoT early on was challenging, and AI is no different. We’re not just competing with local companies for this talent; we’re competing globally. Countries like the US, China, and South Korea are pouring resources into developing their AI talent pools.

But here’s where I’m optimistic. Malaysia has a young, tech-savvy population, and our universities are producing brilliant engineers and data scientists.

What we need is to create pathways for them to specialize in AI.

I remember discussing this with a professor recently. “We need to embed AI into the curriculum at all levels of education,” I said, “ from secondary schools to universities. AI can’t be a niche subject — it must be a core part of our education system.”

But education alone isn’t enough.

We need to create opportunities for this talent to grow. That means internships, apprenticeships, and partnerships with the private sector. The National AI Center could act as a hub, connecting students and researchers with industry and giving them real-world problems to solve.

“Imagine a place,” I told a colleague, “where students, startups, and multinational companies are all working together, learning from each other, and pushing the boundaries of what AI can do. That’s what the national AI center could be.”

Collaboration: The Key to Success

This brings me to the next big question: how do we foster stakeholder collaboration?

This is where the real challenge lies. My experience at Favoriot taught me that collaboration isn’t always easy. There are so many different interests at play — government, industry, academia — and getting everyone on the same page can be challenging. But it’s essential.

Someone recently asked me, “Why do we need a national AI center?” “Why not let the private sector handle AI development?”

It’s a valid question and one that I’ve heard many times.

The answer lies in AI itself. AI isn’t just another technology; it’s a general-purpose technology that will impact every sector, from healthcare and education to finance and agriculture. No single entity can build an AI ecosystem independently; it requires collaboration.

The National AI Center would be a place where different stakeholders come together. The government could set policies and regulations that ensure AI is developed and used ethically. Universities could focus on research and training. Startups could experiment with new AI applications, and large corporations could scale those innovations.

“Think about it,” I told a friend recently. “If we can bring together the best minds from government, academia, and industry, we can create something truly special — a place where innovation happens at the intersection of different perspectives.”

The Benefits for Industry and Startups

One of the most exciting aspects of setting up a national AI center is the potential benefits for industry and startups.

When I first started Favoriot, I envisioned how IoT could transform industries in Malaysia. And while it took time, we now see that vision come to life. AI is poised to have a similar, if not more significant, impact.

The national AI center could provide a platform for established industries to experiment with new AI technologies without investing in expensive infrastructure. Imagine a manufacturing company collaborating with AI researchers to develop predictive maintenance algorithms or a healthcare provider working with data scientists to create personalized treatment plans using AI.

The possibilities are endless.

And for startups? The National AI Center could be a game-changer. Startups often have brilliant ideas but need more resources to bring those ideas to life. The AI center could provide them with the computational power, data, and expertise they need to scale their innovations.

I’ve seen how difficult it can be for startups to break into traditionally slow industries to adopt new technologies. However, with the support of a national AI center, those barriers could be lowered. Startups could test their ideas, get feedback from industry leaders, and scale their solutions faster.

I remember talking to a startup founder recently who was working on an AI-powered solution for agriculture. “We have the technology,” he told me, “but we need access to data and the right partners to scale.”

That’s where the National AI Centre comes in. It would act as a bridge, connecting startups with the data, infrastructure, and partnerships they need to succeed.

A Vision for the Future

As I sit here, reflecting on these conversations, I can’t help but feel a sense of urgency. The world is moving quickly, and AI will be at the heart of that change. Malaysia has the potential to lead, but only if we act now.

“Can we do this?” I asked myself one evening as I sketched out ideas for the center. The answer is yes. However, it will require a concerted effort from government, industry, academia, and startups.

Setting up a national AI center is a bold vision, but it can transform Malaysia into a leader in AI innovation. With the proper infrastructure, talent, and collaborations, we can create an AI ecosystem that benefits everyone — industries, startups, and the nation.

When we look back in a few years, I believe we’ll see that this wasn’t just about building a center. It was about building Malaysia’s future.

About Favoriot – Part VI: Expanding the Business Models

The Evolution of Favoriot from B2C to B2B and Global Reach

Regenerated by Glam

When we first launched the Favoriot IoT platform, we envisioned it as a B2C service.

The idea was simple – create a platform that anyone, from students to hobbyists, could use to build IoT applications.

By targeting individuals, we could generate widespread interest and slowly build a community around our platform. I remember thinking, “If we can get people talking about Favoriot, the rest will follow.”

With that mindset, we set out to promote the platform. Social media was the obvious choice. Everyone was on Facebook, YouTube was the go-to for tutorials, and newer platforms like TikTok were quickly gaining popularity.

So, we took the plunge. I took charge of the promotion, using my social media channels to spread the word. I posted on Facebook, made videos for YouTube, wrote blog posts, and even tried my hand at TikTok.

Regenerated by Glam

At first, it was exciting to see the initial reactions. People were interested; they were curious about what Favoriot could do.

But as the weeks went by, I started to feel a sense of unease. Sure, there were some engagements – likes, shares, comments – but it wasn’t translating into actual usage of the platform. I kept asking myself, “Why isn’t this working? What are we missing?”

I realized that while social media was great for generating buzz, it wasn’t enough to convince people to take the next step.

I needed something more tangible that would tell people about Favoriot and show them how it could be valuable to them.

That’s when the idea of writing an eBook came to me. I’ve always enjoyed writing, so why not use that skill to create something that could educate people about IoT and subtly introduce them to Favoriot simultaneously?

IoT eBook

So, I got to work. The eBook wasn’t just about the technical aspects of IoT; it was about the broader picture – how IoT transforms industries, what it means for the future, and where Favoriot fits into this. Throughout the book, I weaved in information about the Favoriot platform, highlighting its features and how it could help users in their IoT projects.

Once the eBook was ready, we decided to offer it for free. I thought that if we could get the book into as many hands as possible, it would naturally lead to more people trying out the platform.

And it worked. The eBook started getting downloaded, not just locally, but internationally. I was amazed to see the download statistics – people from almost 120 countries had downloaded the book!

I remember sitting at my desk, looking at the numbers, and thinking, “This is it. This is the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for.”

But with this new wave of international interest came a new set of challenges. The platform was designed for a general audience, but now we have users worldwide, each with unique needs.

We started receiving feedback from users who wanted more advanced features, better scalability, and the ability to use the platform in a more professional setting. It was clear that the B2C model had its limitations.

Around this time, we began exploring the idea of pivoting to a B2B model. The thought of shifting our focus was daunting, but I knew it was something we had to consider seriously.

We had to evolve if we wanted Favoriot to grow and thrive. I spent many sleepless nights pondering over the decision. “Is this the right move? What if it doesn’t work out?”

Eventually, after much deliberation and discussion with the team, we decided to go for it. We introduced a B2B model where the Favoriot platform could be installed on-premise or on a private cloud.

This shift allowed us to cater to System Integrators – companies that needed a robust IoT platform to develop complex projects, manage high data transmissions, and ensure that all data was securely stored within their infrastructure.

Another critical decision was the introduction of the “perpetual” license. Unlike traditional subscription models, which required customers to pay recurring fees, this license was a one-time purchase.

Regenerated by Glam

It provided lifetime access to the platform, making it a more cost-effective option for long-term projects. I remember thinking, “This could be a game-changer.” Our customers’ cost savings were substantial, allowing them to offer end-to-end IoT solutions more quickly and at a lower cost.

This shift to B2B didn’t just open up new revenue streams for Favoriot; it also solidified our position in the market.

We were addressing a significant pain point in the industry by providing a reliable and scalable platform that didn’t require customers to build their own IoT infrastructure from scratch.

Developing an IoT platform is no small feat – it requires time, money, and expertise many companies don’t have. By offering Favoriot as a ready-made solution, we were able to fill that gap.

Since 2017, the Favoriot IoT platform has undergone many changes. What started as a simple B2C platform has evolved into a versatile solution catering to individual developers and large enterprises.

And along the way, we’ve achieved some significant milestones. One of my proudest moments was when Favoriot received MySTI certification from MOSTI, officially marking it as a Malaysian local product.

This recognition validated our efforts and positioned Favoriot as a credible and reliable IoT platform on a national level.

Looking back, I can see how far we’ve come. The journey hasn’t been easy, and there were moments when I doubted whether we would ever get to this point.

But through perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to listen to our users, we’ve built something that we can truly be proud of.

But the story doesn’t end here. There are still many challenges ahead, primarily as we work to penetrate the Malaysian market further.

In Part VII, I’ll share more about those challenges and how we plan to overcome them.

The road ahead is long, but I’m confident that with the lessons we’ve learned and the team we have, Favoriot will continue to grow and make an impact in the IoT industry.

So, stay tuned. The journey of Favoriot is far from over, and I’m excited to see where it will take us next.

Past Stories to Read:

View at Medium.comView at Medium.comView at Medium.comView at Medium.comView at Medium.com

About Favoriot – Part V: Find Product-Market Fit to Survive

Finding the Right Fit: The Early Challenges and Breakthroughs of Favoriot

At Favoriot’s booth — Regenerated by Glam

I still remember how difficult it was to secure our first ten customers, even though the Favoriot Platform was offered for free initially.

Despite the offer, it wasn’t easy to attract interest. At that time, I was genuinely worried. I kept wondering, would this product succeed? Or would it just become another obsolete product forgotten shortly after its launch?

“Is all this effort going to be in vain?” That was the question that often crossed my mind. What if the product we had developed with such dedication wasn’t accepted by the market? What if all the hard work my team put in, tirelessly day and night, to make Favoriot a success, didn’t bear fruit?

I knew I couldn’t let them down. My team had given their best, and as their leader, I couldn’t allow their efforts to go to waste.

But as time went on, I felt more and more pressure to ensure that Favoriot found its rightful place in the market.

I often sat and pondered, sometimes late into the night, trying to figure out how to gain the necessary market traction. Market traction isn’t something easily achieved, especially when you’re a new player in a competitive industry like IoT.

At Favoriot’s booth — Regenerated by Glam

At first, we started by offering Favoriot to individuals. We targeted university students and freelancers who might be interested in using the platform for their projects.

But even with this strategy, the results were not what we had hoped for. I began to think that maybe our approach wasn’t quite right.

I then considered, “Perhaps we should offer this platform to university lecturers.” They had students involved in IoT projects, so maybe they would see the value in Favoriot.

But unfortunately, this effort also didn’t yield satisfying results. I began to feel anxious. “What else can we do?” I asked myself, searching for a way forward.

We then shifted our focus to offering Favoriot directly to customers. We tried introducing the platform to companies and organizations that might need IoT solutions.

However, once again, a new challenge arose. Many didn’t know how to use the platform. “Are we too early to the market?” I wondered. Maybe, at that time, awareness of IoT among customers wasn’t mature enough.

At Favoriot’s booth — Regenerated by Glam

In the startup world, there’s a concept known as “Product-Market Fit” (PMF). This is the point where your product truly meets the needs of the market.

If you don’t achieve PMF quickly, your product might fail. And I knew that if Favoriot didn’t reach PMF, there was a high chance we would have to shut down operations.

But I didn’t give up. I kept searching for the right customers, those who truly needed what Favoriot offered.

After many trials and errors, we finally found that the best customers for our platform were IoT System Integrators. These were companies or individuals who provided IoT solutions to their own customers. They needed a platform like Favoriot to build IoT applications that could meet the specific needs of their clients.

Finally, Favoriot found its way. We started offering the platform in two models – cloud-based and enterprise-based.

The cloud-based model was for customers who wanted a more flexible solution that could be accessed from anywhere. Meanwhile, the enterprise-based model was more suited for System Integrators who wanted full control over their platform.

This model came with a perpetual license and unlimited API, allowing them to build IoT applications without worrying about the high API costs typically charged by other major platforms like AWS or Azure.

With this discovery, Favoriot began to find its place in the market. I felt a bit of relief, but at the same time, I knew that the journey was far from over.

We still needed to continue innovating and ensuring that the platform remained relevant in an ever-changing industry.

But at least now, I was more confident that Favoriot had a bright future.

This isn’t the end of the story. I will continue to share our journey, how we found other customers, and how we grew Favoriot into one of the leading IoT platforms. But that will be in the next part.

Stay with me on this journey, because I believe that every step we take has its own story that can inspire those striving in the startup world.

In the next part, I will share more about who else became customers of the Favoriot IoT Platform and how we won their hearts.