Tag: Mazlan Abbas

The Harsh Truth About Corporate-Startup Partnerships (From Someone Who’s Lived It)

I’ve been on both sides of the table. I’ve sat in plush boardrooms of corporates, armed with strategy decks and Gantt charts. And I’ve stood in startup expos with nothing but a prototype, a vision, and hope that someone out there believes in me.

So believe me when I say this — corporate-startup partnerships sound exciting on paper, but on the ground? It’s a minefield.

Let’s strip away the buzzwords. Let’s talk about what really happens.

1. Different Clocks, Different Worlds

“Why are they taking so long to approve this?”

I remember asking my co-founder this after waiting three months just to get a feedback email. In the startup world, three months is a lifetime. In the corporate world? It’s just the first round of internal vetting.

Startups run on urgency — every day matters when your burn rate is ticking. Corporates move with caution — risk is the enemy, and layers of approvals are the armor.

The fix? I learned to stop hoping they’d change. Instead, we created parallel timelines — one for them, one for us. We chased quick wins while waiting for their green light. Buy time by building elsewhere.

2. Innovation Theatre is Real

Let me be blunt — some corporates just want to look innovative. They parade startups like trophies at conferences, but behind closed doors, there’s no intent to integrate, support, or even pilot your solution.

“We love what you’re doing, let’s explore synergies,” they say.

But three meetings later, you realize it’s all talk. No budget. No timeline. No real stakeholder.

My lesson? Qualify them like investors. If they don’t allocate budget, assign a champion, or agree on KPIs — walk away. Your time is precious.

3. Lost in Translation

Corporate teams speak in terms of “quarterly performance metrics,” “compliance risk mitigation,” and “cross-functional alignment.” Startups? We speak in MVPs, pivoting, and product-market fit.

The result? A communication chasm.

I once pitched our IoT platform and got blank stares. Only later did I realize I was talking in features. They wanted outcomes. Not “real-time temperature monitoring,” but “reduce asset loss by 40%.”

Solution? Translate your pitch into their language. Learn their pain points and talk like an insider. Better yet — get an internal translator. A champion who believes in your tech and knows how to navigate their maze.

4. The Procurement Wall

You’re excited. The business unit loves your solution. A pilot is greenlit. Then — boom — you hit the procurement department.

Suddenly, your lean startup has to fill in 30-page tender documents, meet cybersecurity standards that even banks struggle with, and compete with legacy vendors who have been on their vendor list since Y2K.

I remember sitting with my team, demoralized, staring at a compliance checklist longer than our pitch deck.

Advice? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Ask upfront — “How do you procure innovation?” Some corporates have fast-track routes. Others… just don’t. If they don’t, you’ll need a partner who does.

5. Data: The Gold No One Wants to Share

Ah, data — the lifeblood of IoT. We once proposed a predictive maintenance pilot, only to be told: “We can’t share historical data. It’s sensitive.”

So… how do we train our model?

The irony? They want innovation, but won’t share the fuel to drive it. Understandable from a legal standpoint, but fatal to progress.

Workaround? Create synthetic datasets. Offer edge-processing solutions. Or suggest on-premise pilots where data never leaves their servers. Be flexible — but set boundaries.

6. The Pilot Trap

Startups get excited about pilots. I used to. Until we had three unpaid PoCs running simultaneously — draining our team, delaying our roadmap, and giving us zero revenue.

That’s when it hit me.

“We’re giving them our IP for free. They’re testing us. But we’re bleeding.”

Some corporates see pilots as “free R&D.” You think it’s the beginning of a contract. They think it’s an experiment they’re not committed to.

My hard-earned rule? No pilot without commitment. Either pay a fee, or sign a letter of intent for scaling if KPIs are met. If they won’t commit, neither should you.

7. Change Champions Leave. So Does Momentum.

You finally find someone inside the corporate who gets it. They push your agenda, unblock bottlenecks, and champion your startup like it’s their own.

Then… they resign. Or get transferred. And suddenly, you’re back to square one.

“But this was approved…” you plead. Doesn’t matter. The new person wants to ‘re-evaluate the strategy.’

Reality check? Build relationships beyond just one person. Map out decision-makers. Secure documentation. Get agreements formalized — not just verbal promises.

Final Thought: Don’t Just Survive, Learn to Navigate

I’ve had great corporate partners. Truly. Some believed in us before anyone else did. They gave us a platform, feedback, even funding. But getting there wasn’t luck — it was surviving the gauntlet above.

So if you’re a startup founder:

Don’t jump at the first handshake. Qualify. Question. Protect your time. And never forget — you’re not a vendor. You’re a co-creator of the future.

And if you’re from a corporate reading this:

We know your world is complex. But don’t let bureaucracy kill the very innovation you seek.

The magic happens when we meet halfway — speed with structure, ideas with scale.

Let’s stop the theatre. Let’s build real things.

“We’re not just a startup. We’re your unfair advantage — if you let us.”

Do you have a story like this from your startup or corporate journey?

From Manual Logins to a Global Force: This is Favoriot 4.5

“Dr. Mazlan, I didn’t receive my password—boleh email balik?”

I still remember that message. One of our earliest users. Back when onboarding meant me, personally, typing out usernames and passwords… and emailing them. One. By. One.

No dashboard.
No billing.
No automation.
Just a dream—and a lot of copy-pasting.

Was it messy? Yes.
Was it worth it? Absolutely.

That’s where Favoriot was born—not in a boardroom, but in a Gmail inbox at midnight.

We Built It The Hard Way

Every support ticket? A lesson.
Every bug? A wake-up call.
Every confused user? A chance to rethink.

We didn’t have “customer personas.”
We had real people telling us, “This part tak faham…”
And that direct feedback shaped everything.

So we added what mattered:
✅ Visual dashboards
✅ Auto device creation
✅ Better user controls
✅ A real self-service platform

Eventually, we stopped emailing passwords.

And Then… We Grew

By version 3.0, Favoriot wasn’t a scrappy prototype anymore. It was real.

Today?
🌍 111 countries
👨‍💻 9,600+ developers
📱 13,000+ IoT apps

What’s wild? We have no idea what most users are building.
And you know what? We love that.

Favoriot is flexible enough for developers to use it their way—without us needing to micromanage or interfere. That’s the magic of a true IoT platform-as-a-service.

We Kept It Cheap—On Purpose

We priced it low. Dirt cheap, some said.

Because back then, IoT wasn’t mainstream.
We wanted students, hobbyists, and young startups to try.
To explore. To fail. To learn.
Without worrying about subscription fees.

That strategy worked.
It built trust. It built momentum.
And it got Favoriot where it is today.

But Let’s Be Real—It’s Time

Favoriot 4.5 isn’t a toy.
It’s a world-class platform.

We’ve benchmarked ourselves against the global giants.
We’ve made it faster, stronger, smarter.
And yes—it’s time the subscription reflects that.

Starting June 2025, our prices will change.

Why?
Because we’ve earned that seat at the table.
And we want to keep delivering the value you deserve.

But Here’s The Deal

If you subscribe before June—
You lock in the current price.
No surprises. No sudden hike.
Your loyalty gets rewarded.

To the Early Believers

If you’ve been with us since the manual days…
If you ever waited for your login in your inbox…
If you clicked “refresh” hoping we’d fix the bug…

Thank you.

Favoriot 4.5 carries your fingerprints.
We wouldn’t be here without you.

And we’re just getting started.

Let’s keep building the future of IoT—together.

Favoriot: A Marathon of Pivots, Perseverance, and Purpose

“This is going to be a game-changer!”

That was the spark that ignited our journey. In 2017, we embarked on a mission to revolutionize the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape in Malaysia. Our first stride? Raqib—a wearable device designed to ensure the safety and health of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. It was more than just a product; it was a vision to provide peace of mind to individuals and their families during spiritual journeys.

KM 0–5: The Starting Line – Raqib’s Ambitious Launch

Launching Raqib felt like the exhilarating first kilometers of a marathon. The energy was high, the vision clear, and the team motivated. We believed in our product’s potential to make a significant impact. However, as with any long-distance race, the initial excitement soon gave way to unforeseen challenges.

KM 6–10: The First Hurdles – Technical Glitches and Market Realities

As we progressed, technical issues began to surface. The device faced unexpected glitches, and our marketing efforts didn’t yield the anticipated traction. It was a tough pill to swallow. But we weren’t ready to give up. We pivoted and introduced Favorsense, aiming to capture a different segment of the IoT market. Yet, despite our best efforts, it struggled to gain user interest.

“Where did we falter? What could we have done differently?” I often pondered during those challenging times.

KM 11–15: The Turning Point – Recognizing the Core Strength

Amidst these setbacks, a realization dawned upon us. The common thread between Raqib and Favorsense was the underlying platform that powered them. This platform, robust and versatile, had the potential to be more than just a backbone for our products. It could be the very product we needed to focus on.

I told the team, “This platform can be used by anyone who wants to develop their own IoT products. “

With renewed determination, we decided to pivot once more. We introduced the Favoriot IoT Platform to the public, offering it free to attract a broader audience. However, adoption was slower than expected. Despite creating tutorials and sharing resources, many users found it challenging to navigate the platform.

KM 16–20: Bridging the Gap – Introducing IoT Courses

Understanding the need for guidance, we launched IoT courses tailored to help users grasp the platform’s capabilities. These courses weren’t just about theory; they offered hands-on experience, enabling participants to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

The response was overwhelmingly positive. Universities and polytechnics across Malaysia began integrating the Favoriot IoT Platform into their curricula. Students utilised it for their final-year projects, bringing innovative ideas to life.

“This is a significant achievement for us,” I expressed pridefully.

KM 21–30: Expanding Horizons – Building Partnerships

As we continued our journey, we recognised the importance of collaboration. We partnered with system integrators and enterprises, offering our platform’s cloud-based and enterprise-based models. This flexibility allowed clients to choose solutions that best fit their needs, further solidifying Favoriot’s position in the market.

KM 31–40: Gaining Momentum – Recognition and Growth

Our efforts began to bear fruit. Favoriot was no longer an unknown name in the IoT landscape. Out of 9,375 users (as of January 27, 2025), 80% came from our own country—a milestone that filled me with pride.

“We did it,” I told my team with a sense of accomplishment. “We’ve proven that we can compete with global platforms and carve out our own space.”

KM 41–42.195: The Final Stretch – Looking Ahead

Today, the Favoriot IoT Platform is a testament to resilience and adaptability. The journey has been a marathon from its humble beginnings with Raqib to becoming a cornerstone in IoT education and development. We’ve learned that setbacks aren’t failures but opportunities to pivot and grow.

As we look ahead, our vision is to take the Favoriot IoT Platform beyond Malaysia, reaching global audiences and empowering the next generation of IoT innovators.

“This is just the beginning,” I remind the team. The marathon continues, and we’re ready for the next leg of the race.

So, Startup or Marathon?

Startup is a marathon.

But with Favoriot, it’s not just about enduring.

It’s about leading, creating, and building something that lasts beyond the race.

And here’s the truth no one tells you:

The real finish line is when others start running because you did.

I Almost Quit—Until This One Question Reignited Everything

There was a morning I’ll never forget.

I sat in front of my laptop, staring at the screen. No emails. No new sign-ups. No traction.
Nothing.
Just silence.

“What am I even doing this for?” I whispered to myself.

I had poured years into this vision—this crazy dream of building something that could help others. And yet, there I was, running on fumes, trying to convince the world that IoT could actually change lives.

The doubt crept in like a fog.
I questioned everything—my choices, my career, my sanity.

But then, like a stubborn heartbeat, a question echoed back:

“Why did you start?”

It hit me harder than any investor rejection or platform bug.

I didn’t start for money. I didn’t start for fame.
I started because I believed in purpose-driven tech. Because I saw students struggling with theory and no tools. Because I saw cities disconnected, businesses stuck, and potential wasted.

I started because I knew I could help.

That’s what gives me direction—purpose. Not some fluffy motivational poster, but a raw, burning clarity that says, “Even if no one claps today, build anyway.”

Direction isn’t something you stumble upon in a fortune cookie.
It’s something you forge—through trial, reflection, and doing the work even when it’s hard.

It’s your “why” that pulls you forward when everything else tries to drag you down.

And now, whenever I hit a rough patch, I don’t panic.

I pause.

I ask again: Why did I start?

And the answer—every single time—points me exactly where I need to go.

Now your turn.
What question brings you back to your direction when you feel lost?

The Most Expensive, Yet Most Valuable Decision: When I Left Comfort to Create Meaning

“Are you sure you want to let go of all this?”

That question wasn’t just about salary, status, or position. It was actually a much deeper dilemma: Do I keep living in a system… or start building my own?

And my decision at the time—although it seemed like just a career move—was in fact a personal geopolitical shift. I didn’t leave because I was disappointed. I left because I saw a map no one else had drawn yet.

When the Comfort Zone Becomes a Cage

Many believe that the comfort zone is a reward after years of struggle. But few realize—stay too long, and it becomes a silent prison.

I was in a well-established organization, with a stable salary and a high-ranking position. But quietly, I became an actor in a script I didn’t write. The world was moving forward—IoT, AI, data economy—but we kept repeating old templates.

I saw young Malaysians becoming increasingly tech-savvy, yet there was no local platform to be their launchpad. We were still consumers, not creators. Still dependent on foreign digital infrastructure, without control or data sovereignty.

“If not us, then who?”

And that’s when the decision was born—not from courage, but from a sense of historical responsibility.

Leaving Power to Create Direction

I left my position. With no guarantees.

No office. No big team. No funding. Just an idea, conviction, and one burning resolve:

To build Favoriot as Malaysia’s true digital infrastructure.

Not just a platform. But a symbol. That we can be self-reliant. That innovation isn’t exclusive to Silicon Valley. That locals too can build world-class solutions.

But I knew the world doesn’t offer space just because of noble intentions.

The credibility I once had didn’t carry into the startup world. Emails that once received quick replies now fell silent. I was no longer a “Senior Director”—just an unproven founder.

But that’s the real cost of walking away from the old system—you lose short-term influence to build long-term strength.

Becoming an Architect in an Unbuilt World

Starting from zero is a spiritual exercise.

I had to become the thinker, the marketer, the engineer, the writer, the salesman—and sometimes… the coffee maker for guests who might not even become clients.

But in that process, I saw something I never did in the corporate world.

I saw how one IoT dashboard could change how a city council manages their city and provide information to their citizens.

How students using Favoriot got hired before graduation.

How universities started incorporating IoT into their syllabus not because the Ministry told them to—but because they saw the future.

And I began to understand—sometimes, real impact doesn’t come from applause. But from quiet change in the system.

This Decision Was Never Just About Me

Looking back, I realized this decision was never just personal.

It was about building an alternative.

In a world increasingly dependent on technology, those who control data, control the future.

If Malaysia continues to rely solely on foreign platforms, we will always be spectators in a drama written by others.

Favoriot is not the ultimate answer.

But it’s an attempt to carve a new lane.

So that Malaysia doesn’t remain on the sidelines.

So we have a choice. So we are not forever users—but creators.

What I Learned

We can’t wait for national change to trickle from above. Sometimes, true change begins when someone chooses to exit the system… and starts building a new one.

And yes, it hurts. It’s lonely. It’s full of failure.

But in that silence, I found my voice again.

And in those failures, I found strength I never knew I had.

The Question We Must Ask

Malaysia today is also standing at a similar crossroads.

Do we keep waiting for outside directives?

Or do we start writing our own script?

As I’ve learned from my own decision—what seems small, can ignite something far bigger.

The real question is:

Do we dare to leave our national comfort zone… to become a nation of builders?

Or will we remain a stepping stone in someone else’s grand agenda?

Because history won’t wait. And the future… belongs only to those bold enough to write it.

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.

Where Do I See Myself in 10 Years?

Where Do I See Myself in 10 Years?Reflections of a 64-Year-Old Dreamer Who Still Believes

“Ten years from now? That’s 74… You sure you want to think that far ahead?”
That was the first voice in my head when I read the question.
“Come on, Mazlan. You’re 64. Isn’t it time to slow down?”

But that voice didn’t last long.

Another voice — louder, bolder, more familiar — gently whispered,
“Slow down? You’ve just started walking your true path.”

That, my friend, is the voice I’ve listened to all my life.

The Clock Doesn’t Define Me

I’ve always seen age as numbers, not limits. The world might call me a “senior,” but my dreams don’t carry wrinkles, and my purpose doesn’t need walking sticks.

Yes, the body is slower — I’ll admit that. Knees creak more than they used to, and climbing stairs feels like a mini leg day. But the fire in me? It burns as fiercely as it did when I was 24, maybe even brighter now.

If anything, I’ve become more dangerous — not because of youth, but because of clarity. I know what matters. I know what I can ignore. I know who I am. That took decades to earn.

In 10 Years, I See…

1. Myself Still Creating
I don’t want to retire into silence. I want to retire into purpose.
“But Mazlan, what will you still be creating?”
Stories. Ideas. Opportunities. A legacy.

I see myself writing more — maybe a book that finally captures the full arc of my journey. Maybe I’ll title it “The IoT Man Who Never Gave Up.”
I want to write not just for entrepreneurs or engineers… but for anyone standing at the edge of doubt, wondering if it’s too late to start. I want them to know — it’s never too late. I’m proof.

And beyond writing? I’ll still be creating ecosystems. Platforms. Programs. Things that last longer than I do.

2. A Nation of Young Dreamers Trained by My Hands
I dream of walking into a university lab and seeing students working on real-world IoT systems — not because they were told to, but because they were inspired to.

Some of those students might call me “Professor,” or maybe just “Sifu.”
Some of them will know my name from stories their lecturers told.
Some might even come up and say,
“Dr. Mazlan, it was your video, your talk, your comic that made me believe I could do this.”

That… That would mean everything.

3. Favoriot Becoming a Global Force
In 10 years, I want Favoriot to stand not just as a Malaysian platform, but as the ASEAN reference for democratizing IoT.

Not because we had the biggest investors. Not because we built the fanciest dashboards.
But because we stayed consistent. Because we believed in building from within.

I want to see partners from 25, 30, 40 countries — each with their own IoT academies, each training their youth through Favoriot’s platform.

I want the world to know:
“This came from Malaysia.”

4. My Grandchildren Teaching Me New Tricks
Yes, I see myself as a grandfather of ideas and technology. But also — hopefully — a real grandfather.

I imagine a small hand tugging at mine,
“Tok Bak, how did you build all this?”
I’ll smile. “With time, failure, and this old stubborn heart.”

They’ll be digital natives, perhaps building with AI, robotics, or tools I can’t even imagine now. But I want to remain curious.
To listen.
To learn.
To laugh with them when I get it wrong.
To beam with pride when they surpass me.

Because the only thing better than building your dream… is seeing the next generation build bigger ones.

My Days Will Be Quieter, But My Impact Louder

In 10 years, I won’t be racing from meeting to meeting.
But I might still wake up at 5:30 AM. Sit by the window with my mug of kopi o, pen in one hand, thoughts in another.

I’ll be reflecting more than running.
Speaking less, but with more weight.
I might appear less on stage, but more in hearts.

I’ll write more love letters to this beautiful world that gave me chances.
Letters disguised as blog posts, talks, podcasts, maybe even a comic strip here and there.
One titled “The Last Adventure of IoT Man.”
(But don’t worry, he always comes back for a sequel.)

If I’m Lucky… I’ll Still Have Time

“Mazlan, do you think you’ll still have the energy?”

That question used to scare me.

But I’ve learned — energy doesn’t come from the body.
It comes from the heart. From purpose. From waking up with something worth fighting for.

If I still have the energy to smile at the sunrise,
to mentor a young founder,
to write one more idea that outlives me,
then yes — I’ll still be in the arena.

My Final Decade of Legacy

The next 10 years may be my most meaningful yet.

Not the flashiest.
Not the fastest.
But the most authentic.
The most connected.
The most fulfilled.

I won’t measure success by income charts or social media stats.
I’ll measure it by how many lives I’ve helped ignite.
By how many students I’ve believed in.
By how many said, “Because of you, I didn’t quit.”

So where do I see myself in 10 years?

Right where I need to be.
Still serving.
Still dreaming.
Still building.

And perhaps, finally, resting — but only after I’ve passed the torch.
With a smile. With peace. And with the unshakable belief that I’ve done what I was born to do.

“I see a 74-year-old man… not slowing down, but rising. A man who looks back with pride and forward with grace. A man who lives not in the shadow of his youth, but in the light of his impact.”

Yes, that’s where I’ll be.

InshaaAllah.

Why Do Students Hire Outsiders to Do Their Projects?

A Response from an Educator, Entrepreneur, and Tech Education Advocate

“Why are students willing to pay outsiders to do their projects? What’s the root cause? Where did we go wrong?”

This question isn’t new. It has been raised many times in discussions between academics, industry players, and the tech maker community. But this time, it was addressed with raw honesty by a trainer who truly understands students — someone who has taught students, trained lecturers, and now works with industry professionals. I found the four points he raised very insightful, and I’d like to unpack them — not to dispute, but to build on the conversation with my own experience.

1. University Syllabi Don’t Offer Enough Hands-On Experience?

“Is this really true, or are we not seeing the bigger picture?”

I’ll admit — there’s some truth to this. Many students who’ve come to me for consultation, especially on IoT or Favoriot training, often complain that their final year projects had to rely on self-learning via YouTube because they lacked deep technical guidance.

“But… surely not all universities are like that?”

Exactly. Some universities have moved towards hands-on learning, especially polytechnics, vocational colleges, and certain engineering faculties that actively collaborate with industry. The real problem is inconsistency. Some still rely heavily on simulation — and in fields like IoT, AI, or robotics, learning without touching hardware is like trying to learn swimming on dry land.

When I trained university lecturers through our Train the Trainers program for IoT, I saw firsthand how much they wanted to shift to practical methods — but were sometimes constrained by equipment, budget, or institutional policies. That’s reality.

This is why platforms like Favoriot are designed to break those barriers — offering affordable, easy-to-access platforms that can be embedded into courses, enabling students and lecturers to work from basic projects to advanced real-time data integration.

2. Lecturers Can’t Identify Student Talents?

“Are we too busy to notice the potential blooming right in front of us?”

As a former lecturer, I understand the pressure — full lecture schedules, endless meetings, research deadlines, and admin tasks. It becomes almost impossible to personally assess each student’s potential — unless they step forward.

But that’s not an excuse.

I’ve learned something through running smaller classes. “When the group is small, it’s easier to spot who’s struggling, who’s excelling. But in a lecture hall with 100 students?” We need a system.

Some suggestions:

  • Use mini-projects at the beginning of the semester to diagnose technical aptitude.
  • Bring in industry mentors (like us at Favoriot) to support project work.
  • Offer microlearning platforms like IoT Academy as supplements, not just stick to lecture notes.

Talent has to be discovered — not waited on.

3. Students Chase Paper Qualifications Only?

“Grades matter. But is that the ultimate goal?”

Many students believe excellent CGPAs equal great jobs. But times have changed. Employers now care more about your portfolio than your transcript.

I’ve met students with perfect grades who can’t troubleshoot a sensor. But I’ve also seen average students who build working temperature-monitoring systems with Telegram alerts using Favoriot — and are now working with real IoT startups.

This isn’t about who’s smarter, it’s about who’s brave enough to learn on their own.

That’s why we always encourage students to start with mini-projects early in the semester. Better to fail early and learn fast. We must build a culture of “learn by doing, fail fast, recover faster.”

4. Universities Are Slow to Update the Syllabus?

I fully agree here. Technology evolves every six months — yet syllabi may only change every six years. Changing a curriculum isn’t easy — it requires senate approvals, academic committees, MQA validation, and more.

But I applaud technical institutions like TVET, polytechnics, and certain private colleges that quickly adopt new tech. Some don’t just teach “how to use,” but also “how to think.”

However, we can’t just create skilled workers. We need thinkers, problem-solvers, and future tech leaders — those who can build solutions, not just follow instructions.

That’s why Favoriot is more than just a data platform. It’s a thinking tool. A place where students ask:

  • How can I solve a real-world problem?
  • How does data help decision-making?
  • How can tech integration impact communities?

So… Is It Wrong for Students to Hire Outsiders?

I asked myself the same thing — is it the students’ fault or the system’s?

I don’t fully blame the students. Sometimes they panic, lack support, and just want to pass. I also don’t blame those who offer project services — sometimes that’s the only indirect way a student learns something.

“But… if a student pays and learns nothing — that’s the real problem.”

We need to change the narrative:

  • From “doing it just to pass” to “doing it to learn.”
  • From “copying projects” to “creating value.”

From Training Students to Training Lecturers to Training Industry

I understand what the original author meant when he said:

“I used to train students, then lecturers, and now industry staff…”

That’s the cycle. When students and lecturers reach a certain capability, they don’t need you anymore. And that’s not a loss — that’s a win.

I’ve experienced the same. When IoT becomes embedded in campus life, when the Favoriot dashboard becomes an official teaching tool — I know my mission is progressing. Even if I’m no longer invited, I quietly smile inside.

“Opportunities will always come — maybe not from the same place, but from the impact you’ve already planted.”

To close:

  • Students need more hands-on guidance.
  • Lecturers need time and tools to identify talent.
  • Universities need the courage to match industry demands.
  • And all of us must see education as more than just passing — it’s about living, contributing, and growing.

For those who help students — do it with the heart to teach, not just to earn. Let them learn — even if it’s through you.

One day, they will thank you — not for finishing their project, but for making them someone who can stand on their own and create value.

“That’s the real purpose of education. And that’s the legacy we should all strive to leave behind.”

The Birth of “IoT Man”: Why the Name Means More Than Just a Title

“You can call me IoT Man.”

That was the casual yet defining moment when I embraced the name—not just as a label but as a symbol of everything I’ve poured into it.

But before that nickname ever stuck, before anyone even recognized my face or my voice in the realm of smart cities and connected devices, I was just a curious kampung boy who loved science fiction, obsessed with The Jetsons, and dreamt of a future where machines talked to each other.

I didn’t know it then, but that fantasy would eventually become my destiny.

The Spark That Ignited It All

In the 70s, I grew up with dusty comics, DC superheroes, and futuristic cartoons that seemed out of reach. I was always asking questions: “How does that work?”, “What if buildings could talk?”, “Why can’t my bicycle tell me when its tire is flat?” You know… typical “crazy kid” questions no one took seriously.

But I took them seriously.

Years later, that same boy became an engineer, researcher, and executive, hopping across universities, government agencies, and corporate towers. I had the titles and the recognition—and yet, I felt something was missing.

I wasn’t building the future I dreamed about.

Until I stumbled upon three letters that changed everything: IoT.

To me, the Internet of Things wasn’t just a buzzword. It was the missing puzzle piece. It was like someone finally handed me the blueprint of the world I used to imagine as a child.

I dove headfirst into it. It became an obsession. No, scratch that — it became a mission.

Why the Name “IoT Man” Chose Me

People often ask me, “Did you give yourself that name?” No, I didn’t. It started as a whisper on social media.

I was posting daily. Articles, LinkedIn updates, tweets, TikToks — all about IoT. I shared failures, ideas, insights, and case studies. Some people rolled their eyes. “Dia ni tak habis-habis cerita pasal IoT.”

Others started to notice.

One day, someone tagged me in a post and wrote, “Here comes the IoT Man again.” At first, I chuckled. “Macam superhero pulak.”

But then it stuck. People started calling me that — students, entrepreneurs, CEOs, even strangers at conferences. I would introduce myself, and they’d say, “Oh! You’re the IoT Man!”

And honestly?

It warmed my heart every single time.

Because it meant they saw me, they saw what I stood for, and they recognized the fire I carried.

Why It’s More Than Just a Nickname

You see, “IoT Man” isn’t just a personal brand.

It’s a reminder that in a world flooded with noise, consistency still matters. If you keep showing up, keeping writing, and keeping sharing, people will notice.

It’s a tribute to every sleepless night I spent building FAVORIOT from scratch with a small team and big dreams, to every time I was told, “Malaysia’s not ready for IoT,” or “Smart Cities won’t work here.”

It’s a badge earned through trials, through countless rejections, postponed projects, budget cuts, technical failures, and platform bugs, and through restarting when others gave up.

“But what if this doesn’t work?” I often asked myself during those quiet, lonely moments.

“Then I’ll try again tomorrow,” I’d reply.

The name “IoT Man” represents that spirit.

The Responsibility That Comes With It

Being known as the “IoT Man” also means people expect answers, solutions, and inspiration.

And that’s not something I take lightly.

That’s why I started sharing knowledge for free through podcasts like Jom Pakai IoT, articles, TikTok videos, and books. I also train others, mentor startups, and advise universities.

Because I’m not just building a company. I’m building a movement.

A movement to make IoT accessible. To make Malaysia a global hub of smart innovations. To show the kampung boy in every corner of the country that yes, you can shape the future too.

Legacy Over Popularity

I don’t want to be remembered just as a CEO or engineer.

I want to be remembered as the guy who sparked a generation.

The one who didn’t just talk about the future — but built it.

The one who lifted others along the way, who simplified the complex, who wore the “IoT Man” cape not for show but to carry the hopes of students, makers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers.

Because at the end of the day, all I ever wanted was to make a difference.

Final Reflection: A Name, A Mission

Sometimes, I look in the mirror and ask myself, “Are you still worthy of that name?”

Some days, I feel I’ve done enough, and most days, I feel like I’m just getting started.

So, if you see me online or bump into me at a café or tech event, don’t hesitate to say hi. Just say, “Hey, IoT Man!”

I’ll smile. And I’ll know that the journey — every twist, every fall, every leap — has been worth it.

Because that name is no longer just about me.

It belongs to the mission.

And the mission still burns bright.

— Mazlan Abbas, your friendly neighborhood IoT Man. Let’s transform the world together!