UTM – Dr. Mazlan Abbas

About Me (Part-3) — Mazlan Abbas

I asked ChatGPT — Who is Mazlan Abbas

This is what ChatGPT discovers about me.

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Dr. Mazlan Abbas is an esteemed figure in the fields of Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities, and telecommunications, recognized for his contributions as an innovator, educator, and industry leader.

His career spans several decades, during which he has held prominent roles in academia, industry, and advisory capacities.

Early Academic and Professional Background

Dr. Mazlan Abbas began his academic journey at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), where he earned his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (BEE) in 1984.

He furthered his education at the University of Essex in the United Kingdom, obtaining a Master of Science in Telematics in 1986.

He returned to UTM to complete his Ph.D. in Telecommunications in 1993.

Industry Experience

After his stint in academia, Dr. Abbas ventured into the telecommunications industry.

He spent 13 years at CELCOM, a major Malaysian mobile operator, holding various senior management positions.

During his tenure, he contributed to expanding the company’s mobile services and deploying innovative technologies.

Academia and Research

His academic career was marked by a strong focus on research and development in wireless communications.

He has been an adjunct professor at multiple universities in Malaysia, including UTM, UTHM, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), and Universiti Malaysia (UniMY).

Leading Roles in IoT and Smart Cities

Dr. Abbas took a pivotal turn in his career when he joined MIMOS Berhad, a Malaysian government-owned research and development organization. As the Senior Director of the Wireless Communications Cluster, he spearheaded numerous projects that set the foundation for IoT and smart cities in Malaysia.

Following his time at MIMOS, Dr. Abbas served as the CEO of REDtone IOT, further enhancing his expertise and influence in the IoT sector.

His work involved developing IoT solutions and platforms integral to building smarter, more connected cities.

Entrepreneurship and Thought Leadership

Dr. Mazlan Abbas co-founded FAVORIOT Sdn Bhd, where he is the CEO. Under his leadership, FAVORIOT has become known for its IoT solutions, catering to various industries and contributing to the smart city ecosystem.

Dr. Abbas is a globally recognized thought leader in IoT and smart cities.

He has been featured in numerous rankings, including being named among the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders on IoT and Digital Disruption by Thinkers360 and recognized by the World CSR Congress as one of the Top 50 Most Impactful Smart Cities Leaders.

Contributions to Education and Advisory Roles

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Abbas has continued to influence the academic world.

He has been an Adjunct Professor for several universities, contributing to developing curricula and imparting his industry knowledge to students.

He also sits on the Industry Advisory Panel (IAP) for several universities, helping shape the future of technology education and ensuring that academic programs remain relevant to industry needs.

Recognition and Awards

Dr. Abbas has been honored with various awards throughout his career, including an Honorary Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from UTHM and being named UTM Alumni Industry Personality.

His influence and expertise have made him a sought-after speaker at international conferences on IoT, IR 4.0, smart cities, and telecommunications.

Vision for the Future

Dr. Abbas continues to advocate for adopting smart technologies to improve urban living.

His vision encompasses cities that are not only technologically advanced but also sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to their inhabitants’ needs.

Conclusion

Dr. Mazlan Abbas is well-known for his pioneering work in IoT, its impact on smart city development, and its leadership in telecommunications.

His contributions to industry and academia have positioned him as a key influencer in shaping the digital landscape of modern cities.

As a TEDx speaker, his ideas have reached a global audience, further solidifying his position as a thought leader.

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10 Years of Lessons as a UTM Lecturer: Insights and Growth

A Reflection – The Early Days of My Career

Reflecting on a decade of experience as a lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), I’ve gleaned invaluable insights into the art of teaching and connecting with students.

This journey has not only honed my academic skills but has also been a personal growth experience, shaping me into a more confident and impactful educator.

Understanding Students’ Needs

Initially, I perceived teaching as a straightforward transfer of knowledge.

However, I quickly realized that students yearn for more than just information; they seek engagement, inspiration, and real-world application.

Adapting my teaching methods to meet these needs was a transformative step in my career.

Engagement Strategies

To captivate students’ attention, I learned the importance of interactive and relatable content.

Techniques like group discussions, real-life examples, and incorporating technology made my lectures more appealing.

This approach not only made the classes more enjoyable but also facilitated deeper understanding.

Knowledge and Respect

A crucial lesson was the importance of being well-prepared and knowledgeable.

Students respect lecturers who display a deep understanding of their subject.

This respect became a powerful tool in creating a conducive learning environment, where students felt more inclined to participate and engage.

Confidence in Public Speaking

Regular lectures served as a training ground for public speaking.

Over time, this practice built my confidence, enabling me to present effectively at international conferences.

The ability to convey ideas clearly and confidently is an invaluable skill I acquired through my teaching journey.

Research and Development

My role as a lecturer extended beyond the classroom.

Conducting in-depth research and publishing papers kept me at the forefront of my field, benefiting both my students and my professional growth.

This aspect of my job has been particularly fulfilling, contributing to the broader academic community.

Building Lasting Relationships

Perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of my tenure has been the relationships formed with students.

Many have become friends, colleagues, or even clients, often reminding me of the impact I had during their university days.

This has been a profound reminder of the lasting influence educators have on their students’ lives.

Conclusion

As I reflect on these 10 years, I realize how this journey has been as much about my own learning as it has been about teaching others.

These lessons have not only made me a better lecturer but have also enriched my life in countless ways.

At UTM, I learned that being an educator is about inspiring, connecting, and continuously evolving, both personally and professionally.

Navigating Dreams to Reality: My Story

The Seeds of a Dream

My journey began in the realm of dreams, in the chapters of my early life.

As a child, I was utterly captivated by the world of science fiction, with its intriguing robots and incredible adventures.

This wasn’t just a fleeting childhood phase; it was the dawn of a path that would shape my entire career.

My aspiration to become a scientist, sparked by these fictional tales, built the foundation for everything that was to come.

From Fiction to Passion

As I grew up, my understanding of what it meant to be a scientist was somewhat vague, but my fascination with robots and science fiction stories never faded.

This passion, far deeper than just a childhood interest, became my guide through both my education and professional life.

I made a crucial decision to study Electrical Engineering, a step that deepened my affinity for technology. The once fictional concepts I admired in stories were transforming into realities, fuelling my ambitions and dreams.

A Career Intertwined with Technology

My professional path, though it diverged from my initial dream of designing robots, became deeply entwined with the world of technology.

My academic career flourished at UTM, where I ascended to the role of Head of Telematics Research.

This success opened the doors to notable industry roles, such as being the Vice President of R&D at Celcom and the Senior Director at MIMOS.

In these capacities, I contributed significantly to the fields of Internet technology, Electronics, and Telecommunications, showcasing the breadth and depth of my expertise.

A Gadget Enthusiast’s Life

Personally, my passion mirrors my professional pursuits.

Unlike many who find joy in cars, I find my excitement in the latest technological gadgets.

I spend my leisure time exploring and keeping up with the newest tech trends, often being one of the first to get my hands on new products from brands like Apple.

This aspect of my life, which I plan to delve into more in future stories, highlights my continuous enthusiasm for technology.

The Power of Childhood Dreams

My journey is a testament to the profound impact of childhood dreams on one’s career path.

My story beautifully illustrates how a young boy’s fascination with the realms of science fiction and robotics carved a path for a distinguished career in technology and telecommunications.

It’s a narrative that powerfully shows the immense influence that even the most whimsical dreams can have in shaping our lives and careers.