Tag: Mazlan Abbas

If They Don’t Trust You, They’ll Never Buy From You

Why Trust is the Real Product You’re Selling (and How Marketing Builds I

Let’s cut straight to it.

You could have the best solution on the planet. The smartest AI. The most beautiful dashboard. A deal they’d be crazy to ignore.

But if they don’t trust you?

Game over.

That’s the truth most salespeople and founders don’t want to hear. You don’t lose sales because your product lacks features. You lose because your buyer doesn’t feel safe saying “yes.”

Let that sink in.

You’re Not Selling a Product — You’re Selling Trust

Every time someone signs on the dotted line, they’re taking a leap of faith. Into the unknown. Into the hands of your promises.

And that leap?

It only happens when trust is strong.

If you’re struggling to close deals, here’s your wake-up call — it might not be your price. It’s your credibility.

So how do you fix it?

Let’s start by understanding how trust works across the entire sales cycle.

1. Trust Speeds Everything Up

Without trust, every step in your sales process feels like a slow crawl. Every email takes longer to reply to. Every objection drags on. Every meeting ends with “We’ll think about it.”

But with trust?

Things move fast.

Buyers stop nitpicking. They start nodding. They say “yes” before you finish the pitch. Why? Because they’re not just buying what you do — they’re buying who you are.

You’re not just another vendor anymore. You’re the one they believe in.

2. Trust Makes You the Safe Bet

Let’s be real — nobody understands your tech as much as you do. Most buyers don’t get how your backend system works or what your AI algorithm is doing behind the scenes.

They’re not buying your code. They’re buying confidence.

“I don’t fully get what this does… but I trust you’ll make it work for us.”

That right there? That’s the golden ticket.

If you can be the trusted guide — the one who explains things clearly, sets real expectations, and never overpromises — you become the safest decision they’ve ever made.

3. Trust Wins the Long Game

Deals don’t end at the sale.

What happens after is what builds your reputation.

When things go sideways — and they will — your response matters more than your roadmap. When customers trust you, they stay even when things get tough. They refer others. They become evangelists.

And that kind of loyalty?

It’s not bought with discounts. It’s earned with integrity.

So, Where Does Trust Begin?

It doesn’t start in the pitch deck.

It starts way earlier — with your marketing.

Yes, marketing builds trust before sales even says hello.

Here’s how.

4. Marketing Sets the Tone Before You Even Enter the Room

Think about the last time you Googled a company. What made you stay? A clean website? Great reviews? A few helpful blogs?

Or did you bounce the second you saw a clunky layout and an outdated logo?

Exactly.

Your prospects are doing the same.

Marketing is your first handshake — your first “hello.” And it better say:
“We know what we’re doing. We’ve done this before. You’re in good hands.”

That’s not just branding. That’s trust-building.

5. Content Builds Trust at Scale

You don’t need to be everywhere. But you do need to show up where it counts.

Every blog post. Every case study. Every video tutorial. Every helpful LinkedIn post.

They all add bricks to your trust wall.

Even if someone’s not ready to buy today, they’re watching. And when the time comes? They’ll remember you as the one who actually cared to educate them, not just sell to them.

6. Your Personal Brand is a Trust Magnet

People don’t trust logos.

They trust people.

You showing up as a thought leader — on LinkedIn, podcasts, panels — makes all the difference. Share your journey. Your failures. Your honest thoughts about the industry.

Don’t try to be a polished robot.

Be human.

When you do, people will say:
“I don’t just want the product — I want to work with YOU.”

That’s when you’ve won.

7. Great Marketing Shows, Not Tells

Stop saying, “We care about our customers.”

Start proving it.

Give value before you ask for anything:

  • Share insights your competitors gate behind forms
  • Run webinars that teach, not just pitch
  • Respond to DMs with care and speed
  • Celebrate your customers’ success more than your own

Because when your marketing is rooted in generosity, trust becomes your default currency.

Sales and Marketing: One Team, One Mission

If your sales team is hustling but the leads are cold, there’s a disconnect.

Marketing should be paving the road before sales even shows up.

That means:

  • Sharing real customer success stories
  • Addressing objections through blog posts and videos
  • Keeping your message consistent across every touchpoint
  • Making sure your promises match your delivery

When both teams work together to build trust, magic happens.

Your Competitive Advantage? Trust.

At the end of the day, buyers will always ask themselves:

“Can I trust this person with my time, money, and reputation?”

If the answer’s no — they walk.

If the answer’s yes — they buy.

So don’t just optimise your sales funnel.
Don’t just build a smarter chatbot or a flashier website.

Build trust.

And do it in every word you say, every promise you make, every story you share.

Because trust isn’t just part of the sales cycle.

It is the sales cycle.

Now go earn it.

They’re Not Ignoring You—They’re Just Still Marinating

Business opportunities are like cooking shows—you never know what’s really happening behind the kitchen door until the dish suddenly lands in front of you.

Let me tell you something I’ve learned (usually after almost giving up):

Just because it’s quiet… doesn’t mean nothing’s happening.
Sometimes the silence is just the oven preheating.

Here’s how I see it:

One day, someone stumbles upon your product, your service, your pitch, your random LinkedIn post.
They don’t like, they don’t comment.
They ghost harder than your old college crush.

“That’s it, they’re not interested,” you sigh, already rehearsing your exit from entrepreneurship.

But while you’re busy spiralling into self-doubt…
They’re at home flipping through your recipe book.

They’re thinking,
“Hmmm… this looks interesting.”
Next thing you know, they’re buying ingredients. Comparing brands. Budgeting. Pitching it to their boss.

You? Still in the dark.

Meanwhile, they’re chopping onions and prepping the sambal.

Some cooks fast—like those who use instant noodles.
Others are slow burners—like Grandma’s rendang, which simmers for 8 hours and is only served during Raya.

But then, one random Tuesday, BOOM—a message drops:

“Hey! Been following you for a while. Can we talk?”

Suddenly, the dish is plated. The napkin is folded. The cutlery’s set.
And you didn’t even know you were the main course.

It’s happened to me more than I can count.

Pitch sent.
Crickets.
Six months later:
“Hi Dr. Mazlan, we’re finally ready to proceed.”

Ready?! I thought you forgot I existed!

Nope.
They were just slow-cooking the opportunity in a pressure cooker of approvals, budgets, and internal drama.

Here’s the lesson I remind myself (and now, you):

  • Opportunities are always cooking.
  • Some are frying, some are baking, some are even marinating overnight.
  • But just because you don’t hear the sizzle doesn’t mean the stove’s off.

So keep showing up. Keep posting. Keep refining your menu.
Because someone, somewhere, might just be in aisle 3 of Tesco, looking for the last ingredient before they call you.

And when they do?

Smile.
Welcome them to your table.

Dinner is served.

Why Writing in a Storytelling Manner Resonates with Most People: A Personal Reflection

Have you ever noticed how your eyes light up and your ears perk when someone begins a sentence with, “Let me tell you a story…”? I’ve seen this countless times — in conferences, casual chats over coffee, and even in my blog’s comment section. There’s something magical about stories. And over the years, I’ve discovered that writing in a storytelling manner doesn’t just make my articles more enjoyable to write — it makes them more impactful, relatable, and memorable to readers.

But why? I asked myself this question many times, especially when I first started blogging. I thought, Isn’t it enough to just present the facts? Why bother weaving them into stories? What I’ve learned might surprise you — and it might just change the way you approach your own writing.

Let me share my journey with you.

The Human Brain is Wired for Stories

I remember reading somewhere that long before we had books, slides, or YouTube videos, we had storytellers sitting around fires. Storytelling wasn’t a hobby; it was a way to pass down knowledge, warn about dangers, and preserve culture. It’s deeply embedded in us.

When I began writing technical articles — especially about IoT, smart cities, or AI — I noticed that readers often skimmed through data-heavy sections. But when I shared a personal anecdote, like the time our prototype failed during a big demo, and how we scrambled to fix it before the client noticed, people paid attention. They messaged me. They shared the post.

Ah, I thought, it’s not the technology that draws them in. It’s the people behind the technology. It’s the struggle, the triumph, the humor, the heart.

Stories give context. Facts tell you what’s happening, but stories help you feel why it matters.

People Remember Feelings, Not Just Facts

I can’t count how many times I’ve given talks where I presented both data and a simple story. Months later, people would come up to me and say, “I still remember that story you told about building Favoriot in your small apartment!” But they rarely remembered the numbers or charts.

Why? Because stories tap into emotion. And emotion is the glue that helps information stick in our minds.

When you tell a story about a challenge you overcame, or a moment that changed your perspective, people see themselves in it. They feel the fear, the hope, the relief. And when they feel, they remember.

I often picture writing like planting seeds. If you scatter plain facts, they might sprout here and there. But if you wrap those facts in a story, it’s like planting seeds in rich, fertile soil — they’re far more likely to grow in the reader’s mind.

Storytelling Builds Trust and Connection

Okay Mazlan, I asked myself one day, why do I enjoy reading certain writers more than others? The answer came quickly: I feel like I know them.

When we write in a storytelling manner, we let readers into our world. We share a piece of ourselves — our doubts, our failures, our little victories. It humanizes us. And in this noisy digital world, where everyone is trying to shout louder, what people crave most is authenticity.

I’ve noticed that when I tell stories — whether about my early days juggling work and family, or about navigating the uncertain waters of startup life — readers open up too. They share their own stories in return. Suddenly, it’s not just a one-way broadcast. It’s a conversation.

Isn’t that what we really want? To connect, to feel heard, to know we’re not alone?

Stories Make Complex Ideas Simple

One of the biggest challenges I face in writing about IoT or AI is explaining complex ideas in ways that people can understand. I could talk about protocols, sensors, cloud architecture… or I could say:

“Imagine you’re a farmer with a chili plantation. You wake up, check your phone, and see that your soil sensors say the land’s too dry. Before the sun’s up, you’ve turned on the irrigation — no guesswork, no wasted water.”

Which one would you rather read?

Stories create mental pictures. And mental pictures help us grasp ideas faster and deeper. Whenever I see a puzzled face in the audience during a talk, I know it’s time to switch from facts to story mode. And almost always, I see that Aha! moment light up their eyes.

Storytelling Gives Your Writing Rhythm

I’ve read many articles that feel like chewing on dry crackers — all facts, no flavor. But storytelling adds rhythm. You can slow down at the emotional parts, speed up during the action, pause for effect, or even surprise your reader with an unexpected twist.

When I write, I sometimes imagine I’m telling the story aloud — like I’m sitting with a friend at a kopitiam, sipping teh tarik. Would I really say it like this? Or would I add a little humor, a dramatic pause, a knowing smile?

This rhythm keeps readers hooked. They want to know what happens next.

But What If I’m Not a “Natural” Storyteller?

I used to think that too. Mazlan, you’re an engineer, not a novelist! I’d tell myself. But storytelling isn’t about fancy language or perfect plots. It’s about honesty. It’s about sharing what you saw, what you felt, what you learned.

Start small. Instead of just stating, “Our project was delayed by two weeks,” tell what happened: “We thought we had it all figured out, until the sensor shipments got stuck at the port. I remember standing in the warehouse, staring at the empty shelves, wondering how I’d explain this to the client.”

See? Same fact — but now it’s alive.

My Final Reflection: Stories Are What Make Us Human

In my journey as a writer, technologist, and entrepreneur, I’ve come to see storytelling as not just a tool, but a responsibility. If I can make my readers feel, imagine, and connect — even for a few minutes — then I’ve done more than just write. I’ve reached across the digital void and touched a fellow human.

So, the next time you write — whether it’s a blog, an email, or even a product description — pause and ask yourself: What’s the story here?

Because in the end, we don’t just read to gather facts. We read to find ourselves in someone else’s tale. And that, my friend, is the power of writing in a storytelling manner.

I thought to myself as I finished this piece, “If even one reader smiles, nods, or feels inspired to tell their own story, then this was worth writing.”

Let’s keep telling stories — the world needs them more than ever.

We’re Not Just a Startup Anymore

Sometimes, people still introduce us like this:

“Oh, Favoriot? That IoT startup from Malaysia, right?”

And I pause for a second.

Yes, we were.

But are we still?

Let me rewind a bit.

Back in 2017, when we launched Favoriot, it was exactly that — a startup.

A handful of us.

One platform.

A dream to make IoT more accessible, especially for Southeast Asia.

Everything was lean, experimental, unpredictable.

Sometimes the server was more fragile than our optimism.

We pitched, we demoed, we chased leads — and celebrated every small win like it was a moon landing.

But today?

We’re in a different phase.

What Changed?

We’ve got paying customers.

Real ones.

Not just POCs or demos — but full deployments across smart cities, smart agriculture, education, and industry.

We’ve entered partnerships in Indonesia, the Philippines, Canada, India — and we’re not stopping there.

Our platform?

It’s no longer a prototype we hope works when someone opens their laptop.

It’s stable, scalable, and trusted by universities, enterprises, and city councils.

We even built Favoriot Academy — an education arm training hundreds (soon, thousands) of IoT-ready talents.

So, here’s the honest question I asked myself:

“Are we still a startup if we’re already delivering impact at scale?”

What We’ve Outgrown

The “startup” label carries a certain image.

You’re small. You’re scrappy. You’re still figuring things out.

But some things at Favoriot are no longer up for debate:

We know what we do best. We know who we serve. We know what pain points we solve.

We’re not constantly pivoting.

We’re focused on scaling what already works.

What We Still Keep

That said — we haven’t gone corporate.

We’re still fast.

We’re still experimenting.

We still believe in bold ideas and building things that matter.

We don’t have a long chain of decision-making.

You’ll still find me answering messages at odd hours, jumping into customer calls, and reviewing platform feedback with the team.

And we still have that fire — the same one we had when we first started.

So maybe we’re not a startup anymore…

But we’re not slowing down either.

So What Are We Now?

Some call this stage a scale-up.

Some say we’re an emerging tech company.

Others might call us a maturing platform player.

Me?

I say we’re still building.

Still growing.

Still proving that a Malaysian-born IoT platform can stand tall — and go global.

If you’re looking to partner with a company that’s lean enough to care but strong enough to deliver — we might be the right fit.

Not a startup.

Not a giant.

Just real people building real tech — one IoT solution at a time.

Let’s build the future together.

Tech Builder, Nation Shaper, Storyteller: Predicting the Next Chapter of Dr. Mazlan Abbas

I asked ChatGPT what happened to me professionally and personally in 5- 10 years ‘ time.

Here’s ChatGPT’s answer:

Career (5–10 Years Ahead)

1. Malaysia’s IoT Statesman – or ASEAN’s IoT Champion

Dr. Mazlan will likely evolve into a national or regional technology advisor, shaping Malaysia’s and possibly ASEAN’s IoT and AI policies. With his role in MyIoTA and long-standing credibility, government and private sectors will turn to him to draft blueprints for digital sovereignty, IoT infrastructure, and smart city execution.

2. The Founder of the IoT Talent Nation

He would have institutionalised FAVORIOT Academy into a certified regional IoT learning hub — not just offering courses, but powering curriculum inside universities and TVETs across ASEAN. Think “Microsoft Certified” — but for IoT, with FAVORIOT’s stamp.

3. Global Author, Speaker, & Content Creator

With his storytelling skill, Dr. Mazlan may publish several best-selling books — part memoir, part manifesto — on entrepreneurship, IoT, and building a tech company in Asia without Silicon Valley funding. He’ll speak at events not just in Malaysia but on global stages like CES, SXSW, or Smart City Expos.

4. The “Mr. Miyagi” of Tech Startups

He’ll be known as a mentor-figure to young founders — whether in IoT, smart cities, or deep tech. Just as others mentored him, he’ll now be the quiet force behind the next generation of Malaysian and ASEAN founders.

5. Favoriot 2.0 or Exit

FAVORIOT may either be:

A major regional player, possibly acquired or partnered with a telco, or Transitioned to a next-gen leadership, with Dr. Mazlan becoming Chairman or Senior Advisor, focusing on strategy, evangelism, and thought leadership.

Personal Life (5–10 Years Ahead)

1. Legacy-Focused, Not Just Business-Focused

Dr. Mazlan may slow down on operational roles but speed up on things that matter personally — sharing wisdom, family, faith, and impact. He might run writing retreats, spiritual tech camps, or mentor networks.

2. A Recognised Malaysian Icon

He could receive national honours for his contribution to digital technology and entrepreneurship — titles like Tokoh Digital Negara or Anugerah Perdana Industri.

3. More Time for Creativity

He’ll publish more poetry, write in Malay and English, produce short films or comics (like “IoT Man”), and even drop an eBook series for children on science and tech. TikTok may evolve, but he’ll still find a creative platform to engage with youth.

4. Grandfather, Coach, and Friend

In his family, he’ll likely play the role of the wise, funny, and creative granddad. Probably teaching his grandchildren how to code a robot while writing sajak with them on weekends.

5. Living His Ikigai

He won’t “retire” in the traditional sense — he’ll stay active in mind, spirit, and passion. His life will be a blend of science, soul, and service.

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?

The Book That Finally Told the Truth About IoT

For years, I’ve watched the Internet of Things evolve—promises, pilots, platforms, and… silence.

We were told IoT would change everything. And yet, here we are. Smart cities still look like science projects. Predictive maintenance rarely gets past a demo. Even in conferences, IoT is the quiet cousin, while AI receives the spotlight.

So when I read “IoT: The Hype No One Knows About” by Afzal Mangal, I didn’t just read it—I felt it.

This wasn’t another technical deep dive. It wasn’t a glossy case study collection either. It was something rare: an honest book written by someone who’s actually done the work, faced the resistance, and survived the grind.

It’s Not the Technology That’s Broken

The core message? IoT works. That’s not the problem. The issue is that no one knows or sees it, and often, no one asks for it.

IoT doesn’t fail in the lab. It fails in the boardroom. It fails when:

  • Decision-makers don’t know what problem IoT solves
  • Internal champions give up after the pilot
  • Sales teams can’t explain it without five slides and a PhD

This hit hard. I’ve seen excellent IoT projects—solid tech, measurable impact—die quietly because there was no momentum to take them further.

Meanwhile, AI Took the Stage

Mangal makes a bold (and fair) comparison: AI and IoT were both hyped. But only one became mainstream.

Why?

Because AI built a tribe, it became aspirational. It had influencers, evangelists, podcasts, and memes. It was everywhere. IoT, on the other hand, stayed niche. It stayed quiet. It stayed technical.

It didn’t show off its wins. It didn’t shout. And that’s where we lost the game.

The Book Offers Solutions, Not Just Complaints

The best part isn’t just the diagnosis. It’s the prescription.

Mangal outlines 70 actions—from marketing to product strategy—that are refreshingly doable. No jargon. Just real advice:

  • Put “IoT” in your product name
  • Sell small and scale later
  • Educate the market like a campaign
  • Speak in stories, not specs
  • Make IoT visible in daily life

It sounds simple, but when did we last do any of that?

My Honest Take

This book isn’t for those looking for another buzzword to pitch. It’s for those tired of being invisible. It speaks to the founders, engineers, salespeople, and educators who want IoT to finally get the recognition it deserves, technically and publicly.

It made me reflect deeply on how I present, pitch, and teach IoT.

We can keep building great tech. But until we start creating awareness, IoT will remain a background actor in a play it should lead.

My Final Thoughts

Afzal Mangal didn’t just write a book—he wrote a mirror. If you’ve ever been frustrated with the slow progress of IoT adoption, this book gives you clarity—and a plan.

I highly recommend it to anyone in the IoT space, especially:

  • Startup founders
  • Product managers
  • Policy-makers
  • Tech educators
  • Marketers are trying to position IoT solutions

The industry doesn’t need more hype. It needs truth, clarity, and action.

This book delivers all three.

What Is the Legacy You Want to Leave Behind?

“Mazlan, if one day you’re gone… what do you want people to remember you for?”

That question hit me harder than I expected.

Not because I didn’t have an answer — but because I never sat down to ask myself that question. Not seriously. Not honestly.

I’ve chased titles. Built startups. Stood on stages. Collected lanyards from conferences like souvenirs from a battlefield. But when the applause fades, the lights dim, and the LinkedIn likes stop rolling in… what remains?

That’s where the legacy lies.

Legacy Isn’t a Resume. It’s a Ripple.

Most people think legacy is about achievements — the things we list proudly on our CVs, or etch on tombstones.

“Inventor of X.”

“CEO of Y.”

“First person to Z.”

But that’s not legacy. That’s history.

Legacy is the echo. The ripple. The silent change you trigger in someone else’s life — often without even knowing.

For me, legacy isn’t the IoT platform I built. It’s the student who emailed me last week saying, “Dr. Mazlan, because of your workshop, I now believe I can create something valuable.”

That.

That right there — is the real legacy.

You Don’t Have to Be Famous to Leave a Legacy

There’s this myth that legacy is reserved for the Elons, Steves, or Obamas of the world.

Nonsense.

Your legacy could be the way you raise your children to be kind in a world that often isn’t.

It could be the junior colleague you mentored, who now leads a team of 20.

It could be the way you made people feel seen, heard, respected.

The problem is, most people live on autopilot. Wake up. Work. Sleep. Repeat.

“I’ll think about legacy when I retire,” they say.

But legacy isn’t built when you’re 65. It’s built today. With every decision. Every interaction. Every “I believe in you” when someone needed to hear it most.

My Legacy? Favoriot Was Just the Beginning

I didn’t build FAVORIOT because I wanted to be known as the “IoT guy.”

I built it because I saw a future where Malaysia — and other developing nations — could own their digital destiny. Where our innovations weren’t just consumers of Western tech, but creators of solutions.

I wanted a child in Kelantan to learn IoT in their school lab… and dream of solving real problems, not just passing exams.

I wanted local councils to embrace smart cities not because it’s trendy — but because it reduces flooding, saves energy, and improves lives.

And yes — I wanted retirees like me to know it’s never too late to start your final and most meaningful career.

FAVORIOT, to me, was the vehicle. The platform. The megaphone.

But the legacy?

That’s the mindset shift. The empowerment. The belief that we — Malaysians, Southeast Asians, anyone in the so-called “developing” world — can innovate for our own and not just import from others.

What Will You Leave Behind?

If your name disappeared from your company website tomorrow, would the company feel your absence?

If social media vanished, would your voice still resonate somewhere?

If your children, students, friends, or community were asked, “What did this person stand for?” — would they know?

And if you don’t like the answer… maybe it’s time to change the story.

The 3-Legged Stool of Legacy: Impact, Influence, Intention

Here’s how I think about it now:

Impact – What tangible changes have I made? Did I build something useful? Did I fix something broken? Influence – Who have I inspired? Encouraged? Mentored? Intention – Why did I do it? Was it for ego… or for evolution?

You don’t need to tick all three boxes every day. But over a lifetime? They should start to align.

Final Thoughts (But Not the Final Chapter)

When I’m gone, I don’t want people to remember my job titles. I don’t need statues or awards.

I just want someone, somewhere — maybe a young engineer, maybe an entrepreneur on the edge of quitting — to say:

“Because of what he shared, I kept going.”

“Because of what he built, I believed it was possible.”

“Because of how he lived, I dared to do the same.”

That’s enough.

So, I’ll ask you now what I finally asked myself:

What legacy do you want to leave behind?

And more importantly…

Are you building it today?

FAVORIOT’s Journey: Scaling IoT Locally, Shaping Digital Futures Globally

Based on FAVORIOT’s current trajectory, I would position us between the Growth Stage and the Future Stage — with a strong foot still in Growth, but steadily stepping into Future. Let me explain why.

Growth Stage: Where FAVORIOT is firmly rooted

FAVORIOT has already moved past the early Forge Stage — we’ve done the startup showcases, the live pitches, and the “who are you?” introductions. Those were our days in 2017–2019. Back then, we were explaining IoT to people who thought it was just about “smart home gadgets.” We had to educate, advocate, and validate — just to be seen.

Now?

We’re not just being seen — we’re being chosen.

Here’s how FAVORIOT aligns with the Growth Stage characteristics:

  • Fundraising and sustainability: We’ve bootstrapped from day one and survived the startup valley of death. We’re revenue-generating with paying clients in multiple verticals — education, government, smart city integrators.
  • Regional expansion: With partners in Indonesia, Philippines, Canada, and now India, our FAVORIOT Partner Network Program is not theory — it’s in motion. We’re onboarding system integrators who are deploying our platform in their local ecosystems.
  • Scaling education + enterprise: Our university certification programs, IoT labs, and integration-ready platform are helping us scale vertically into academia and horizontally across industries like agriculture, energy, and logistics.
  • Talent and branding: We’re building a real brand — not just a tech stack. From “IoT Man” and “IoT Queen” to our Sembang Santai podcasts and viral blog posts, we’re cultivating a community around a movement, not just a product.

“Okay, so we’re scaling. But are we ‘Future’ enough?”

That’s where the next chapter begins.

Future Stage: Where FAVORIOT is heading (and partially already there)

We’re not merely riding the current wave — we’re looking at what’s next, and in some cases, already building it.

How FAVORIOT aligns with the Future Stage:

  • AI + IoT (AIoT): We’re deeply embedded in conversations about how IoT-generated data powers AI. This isn’t hypothetical. Our clients are integrating analytics, predictive maintenance, and automation using the data we provide.
  • Digital Twin integration: With our new partnership with Future Elements Singapore, we’re pushing FAVORIOT data into 3D Digital Twins to visualize smart cities in real-time. That’s not tomorrow — that’s now.
  • Tech sovereignty: We’re part of the conversation around Malaysia’s digital independence. We’re advocating for national platforms, local data centers, and homegrown solutions to reduce reliance on foreign tech giants.
  • Smart Cities, Sustainable IoT: We’re not just talking devices — we’re talking ecosystem impact. Our collaborations with universities, local councils, and national bodies focus on sustainability, circular economy, and climate resilience powered by IoT.

So, where exactly is FAVORIOT?

Let’s visualise it like this:

We are bridging Growth and Future — like a startup that’s still scrappy, but also visionary. We’re refining our product, growing our partner network, pushing into AIoT, and influencing national digital policy.

“We’re not just building an IoT platform anymore… we’re shaping what Malaysia’s digital future could look like.”

And that’s a stage I’m proud to stand on.

Are You a Leader or a Follower?

“Am I leading… or am I simply following someone else’s shadow?”

That question haunted me for years. I asked myself while sipping coffee in my quiet study room, flipping through my old journals filled with to-do lists, dreams, and scribbled frustrations. Sometimes, those scribbles sounded more like cries for clarity than plans for action.

We often throw around the terms “leader” and “follower” like they are binary opposites—as if you’re either born to lead or destined to follow. But life, as I’ve discovered, is more complex. Let’s unpack that.

What Does It Really Mean to Lead?

Most people equate leadership with titles.

“He’s the CEO, so he must be a leader.”

“She’s the manager—of course she’s leading the team.”

But I’ve seen leaders without titles, and I’ve seen those with titles who couldn’t lead a group of five to a lunch spot. Leadership, to me, is the act of stepping forward when others hesitate. It’s about clarity when confusion reigns. It’s about conviction when options are many.

Let me take you back to the early days of FAVORIOT. It was a time when IoT wasn’t mainstream, when investors looked at us like we were trying to sell flying carpets. There was no path—only uncertainty.

That was the moment I had to lead.

Not because I wanted to boss anyone around. Not because I had all the answers. But because if I didn’t believe in the vision of building an IoT platform from Malaysia, then who would?

“Mazlan, are you sure people will use this?”

“Why not just resell existing solutions?”

These were the voices I heard. From peers, advisors… sometimes, even from inside my own head.

But leaders are the ones who choose to believe—despite the noise.

The Follower Within Us

Now here’s the uncomfortable truth…

We’re all followers at times.

Even I—a self-declared “IoT Man”—have followed trends, people, mentors. Sometimes blindly. Sometimes wisely.

I remember early in my career, during my days at MIMOS, I used to wait for someone to say, “Mazlan, go ahead. You’re in charge.” And when I didn’t hear it? I stayed put. I followed.

Was I scared? Yes. Of judgment. Of failing publicly. Of stepping on the toes of more “senior” people.

“Just keep your head down and do good work. They’ll notice.”

But here’s the hard lesson: doing good work is not the same as making things happen.

A follower waits. A leader initiates.

Leadership Is a Decision, Not a Designation

People often ask me,

“Dr. Mazlan, how do I become a leader in my field?”

And I say:

You decide.

You decide to stop waiting for permission.

You decide to speak up when it’s uncomfortable.

You decide to take responsibility—even when it’s not your fault.

Leadership isn’t a switch that flips on when you’re promoted. It’s a mindset. A posture. A muscle you build every time you act with intention.

One of the most defining moments in my journey was when we pitched FAVORIOT to our very first potential client. We had nothing fancy—just slides, vision, and raw belief.

And I saw the skepticism in their eyes.

But I kept talking. I led the conversation, the energy, and eventually—the trust.

But What If You’re Meant to Be a Follower?

There’s this strange stigma around being a follower, as if it’s somehow lesser. I disagree.

Some of the best people I’ve worked with are incredible followers. They are the engine room of any successful mission. They execute with excellence, support with heart, and think with clarity.

But here’s the nuance: they’re not passive followers. They’re intentional ones.

They choose to follow because they believe in the mission, the leader, and the purpose. That’s very different from following because you’re afraid to lead.

“Is it okay to just be a follower?”

Absolutely. But don’t be a follower because you’re afraid. Be one because you’re aligned.

Are You in the Driver’s Seat or the Passenger?

Let’s pause.

Look at your current project.

Your current role.

Your daily routines.

Who’s steering?

Are you choosing your direction? Or are you being pulled by someone else’s map?

It’s okay to be a passenger… sometimes. But not your whole life.

How to Know Which One You Are Right Now

Here’s a quick reflection I use:

Do I initiate or wait for instructions? Leaders initiate. Followers wait. Simple litmus test.

Do I take responsibility or assign blame? Leaders say, “Let’s fix this.” Followers say, “It’s not my fault.”

Do I create opportunities or react to them? Leaders build. Followers consume.

You might be a leader in your side hustle but a follower in your main job. That’s fine. But know the difference. And more importantly, know why.

Leading Isn’t About Being Loud

Many people think you need to be charismatic, extroverted, or visionary to lead.

False.

Some of the best leaders I’ve seen are quiet. Observant. Calculated. But when they speak, people listen. Not because they shout, but because they’ve earned credibility through consistent action.

My Journey From Follower to Leader (And Back Again)

Over my 30+ years in this tech world—from academia to government, from corporate to startup—I’ve worn both hats.

Some days, I follow trends. I listen to my team. I take advice.

Other days, I break away from the norm and say, “This is the new direction.”

That’s leadership.

But it doesn’t mean I’ve stopped being a follower. It means I choose when to lead and when to follow—consciously.

The Final Question

So now, let me ask you again.

Are you a leader or a follower?

But let me reframe that:

Where do you choose to lead? And where are you settling into following?

Because the real power comes not from being one or the other—but from knowing when to step forward, when to step aside, and when to take the wheel with courage.

And if today you realize you’ve been following too long… maybe it’s time to lead.

“Mazlan… what if I fail?”

Then you fail forward. Because that’s what leaders do.

Dr. Mazlan Abbas is the CEO and Co-Founder of FAVORIOT. Once a follower, now a leader… but always learning.