Some people follow a clear path, knowing exactly where they are headed. Others, like Dr. Mazlan Abbas, take an unexpected journey shaped by curiosity, perseverance, and an unwavering desire to contribute to the world of technology.
Though many know him today as an IoT advocate, entrepreneur, and industry thought leader, his story is about gradual learning, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of innovation.
But if you asked him? He’d probably say he’s still learning.
A Humble Beginning with a Passion for Technology
Dr. Mazlan was born on January 23, 1961, in Malaysia, when technology was not as accessible as it is today. Yet, even as a child, he was drawn to the wonders of science and engineering. The world of electronics fascinated him—how things worked, how signals traveled, how communication could be made seamless.
This passion led him to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and graduated with First-Class Honors in 1984. But he wasn’t satisfied just yet—he wanted to dive deeper into telecommunications.
That ambition took him to the University of Essex in the UK, where he completed his Master’s in Telematics in 1986. By then, he had developed a keen interest in networking and communication systems. However, he still felt there was more to discover.
So, he returned to UTM for his Ph.D. in Telecommunications, completing his doctoral research in 1993. The field was still evolving, and he was eager to contribute to research, mentor young engineers, and shape the next generation of innovators.
A Decade of Teaching and Research at UTM
Dr. Mazlan spent a decade at UTM (1986–1994), first as a lecturer and then as an Associate Professor. Here, he built a solid foundation in data communications and network technologies.
He enjoyed teaching, researching, and guiding students, but something inside him kept nudging him toward the real-world applications of technology. Universities were excellent for research, but he wanted to see his ideas come to life in industries, in businesses, and in everyday society.
So, when the opportunity came to join the telecommunications sector, he took it.
From Academia to Telecommunications: A Move to Celcom
In 1994, Dr. Mazlan left academia and entered the fast-paced world of telecommunications. He joined Celcom Axiata, one of Malaysia’s leading telecom providers.
Over the next 13 years, he held various leadership positions, working across multiple divisions, including:
- Vice President of R&D (1997–2001): Pushed Celcom’s technological advancements through innovation.
- Vice President of Billing Operations (1999–2001): Led the transition to a modern convergent billing system.
- Vice President of Network Management & Administration (2002–2004): Ensured the smooth operation of Celcom’s nationwide network.
- Vice President of Mobility Solutions (2005–2006): Developing mobile data services—an early step towards the connected future.
During his time at Celcom, he witnessed the rise of mobile networks, the expansion of broadband, and the gradual shift towards data-driven services. But as technology continued to evolve, he felt an even more significant shift was coming—one that would change industries across the board.
That shift was the Internet of Things (IoT).
Bridging Industry and Research at MIMOS
In 2006, Dr. Mazlan transitioned from telecommunications into research and innovation. He joined MIMOS Berhad, Malaysia’s applied research agency, as Senior Director of the Wireless Communications Cluster.
For the next eight years (2006–2014), he worked on cutting-edge projects in:
- IPv6 and next-generation networks
- WiMAX (early wireless broadband technology)
- IoT, Cognitive Radio, and Wireless Sensor Networks
During his tenure, MIMOS developed 39 research prototypes and secured 27 patents, many of which contributed to Malaysia’s national broadband initiatives.
One of his most notable projects was WiWi, a patented wireless technology eventually deployed in Melaka Smart City and even on the River Thames in London.
Despite these achievements, Dr. Mazlan knew that research alone wasn’t enough. Technology needed to move from research labs into businesses, industries, and real-world applications.
That’s when he decided to take a bold step: entrepreneurship.
Becoming an Entrepreneur: The Birth of FAVORIOT
2014 Dr. Mazlan co-founded REDtone IoT Sdn Bhd, an IoT-focused company under REDtone, serving as CEO from 2014 to 2017.
He worked on smart city solutions, IoT middleware, and enterprise IoT adoption here. However, he wanted to build something more open and accessible to help any business integrate IoT without technical complexity regardless of size.
So, in 2017, he leaped and founded FAVORIOT Sdn Bhd.
The mission?
To simplify IoT adoption by providing an easy-to-use IoT platform—one that enables businesses to build IoT applications without needing to master complex networking and cloud computing.
Over the years, FAVORIOT has been used in:
✔ Smart agriculture
✔ Smart healthcare
✔ Industrial IoT solutions
✔ Smart city applications
The company has also gained recognition, including:
🏆 Best IoT Startup (Malaysia) – ASEAN Rice Bowl Awards 2019
🏆 Merit Awards – MSC Malaysia APICTA 2018
🏆 Top 10 Most Innovative Startups to Watch – Insights Success Magazine (2018)
A Global Contributor to IoT and Smart Cities
Dr. Mazlan remains deeply involved in academia and industry collaborations despite focusing on entrepreneurship.
He has served as an Adjunct Professor at:
🎓 UTM (2008–2013)
🎓 UTHM (2004–2005, 2013–2016)
🎓 Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) (2018–2019)
🎓 MMU (2022–2024)
He is also frequently invited as a keynote speaker at international IoT, Smart Cities, and Industry 4.0 conferences and has shared his insights on:
📌 TEDx
📌 Astro Awani
📌 BERNAMA Radio
📌 Niaga Awani
But if you asked him what he enjoys most, he would probably say:
“Helping others understand and embrace technology.”
A Continuous Journey, Not a Destination
If there is one thing to take away from Dr. Mazlan’s journey, it is this: learning never stops.
He has constantly adapted, evolved, and contributed from academia to industry, from research to entrepreneurship, and local initiatives to global thought leadership.
And he’s not done yet.
Through FAVORIOT, industry collaborations, and mentoring future tech leaders, he continues to push forward, believing that IoT and smart technologies can improve the world.
Because at the end of the day, technology isn’t just about connectivity—it’s about making lives better, businesses smarter, and cities more sustainable.
And that’s a mission worth pursuing.
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