Here I am, lounging in my office chair, a cup of my favorite tea in hand, staring out into the vastness of my thoughts.

It’s one of those moments where the world seems to slow down, and you’re left with nothing but your reflections.

Today, my mind wanders to a question that’s been bugging me for years: Why is the adoption of technology, specifically the Internet of Things (IoT), taking so much longer than expected?

I remember when Kevin Ashton coined the term IoT back in 1999.

It was a concept that promised to revolutionize the way we interact with the world around us.

Fast forward to 2014, Malaysia launched its National IoT Strategic Framework, and the buzz was electric. Yet, the excitement quickly fizzled out, and I couldn’t wrap my head around why.

Then came 2017, the year we launched our IoT platform at Favoriot.

We were pumped, ready to change the game, only to be met with a lukewarm response.

It was disheartening.

I spent countless nights looking at the stats, trying to figure out where we went wrong. It wasn’t until I hit the streets, talking to people, that it clicked.

The issue wasn’t with the technology itself but with the understanding of it.

Most people didn’t even grasp what IoT was, let alone why it was necessary. And if they were clueless about the ‘what’ and ‘why,’ the ‘how’ was even more of a mystery.

That’s when it hit me — the lukewarm response to our platform wasn’t about its functionality but about the lack of knowledge and understanding.

Fast forward a few more years, and the landscape started to change.

We realized that if we wanted to jumpstart IoT adoption, we needed to go back to the basics.

We needed to build awareness and nurture talent through IoT training.

It was a slow process, but with the push towards Industry 4.0 and AI, IoT began to gain prominence.

The need to collect data was undeniable, and how could you do that without IoT?

Now, as I sit here in 2024, sipping my tea and looking over the latest stats, I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment.

The journey hasn’t been easy, but the growing IoT awareness and adoption is a testament to our efforts.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, to move forward, you have to take a step back and educate.

As I muse over this thought, I realize that the key to technology adoption isn’t just about creating cutting-edge solutions but also about bridging the gap in understanding.

And as the world slowly but surely embraces IoT, I can’t help but think, “We’re finally getting there.”

This article, “Why Malaysia Takes Almost 10 Years To Gain Traction in IoT,” was originally published on Medium.

“The spark of IoT innovation will transform students into architects of tomorrow’s interconnected world.”

Which Universities offer the best IoT education in Malaysia?

But how do we define the best IoT education?

As someone involved in building the IoT curriculum for universities and TVET institutions in Malaysia, I would like to share my perspectives.

Malaysia’s approach to weaving IoT into the academic fabric is cultivating a future workforce ready to navigate and shape the technological frontiers of the local industries.

How many Malaysian universities architect their IoT academia, spotlighting their holistic course offerings, cutting-edge lab environments, synergistic industry ties, and scholarly faculty?

Let’s dive deep into the traits of IoT Education leaders.

Crafting a Multifaceted IoT Curriculum

“Through the loom of academia, the comprehensive IoT curriculum weaves together the essence of innovation and application, shaping the pioneers who will navigate the technological frontiers of tomorrow.”

An exceptional IoT program must be characterized by its comprehensive and multidisciplinary curriculum, addressing all critical facets of IoT technology:

• Embedded programming
• Programming languages
• Microcontrollers
• Fundamentals of telecommunications (connectivity options)
• Data communications (protocols)
• Middleware (IoT Platforms such as Favoriot, Azure IoT or ThingSpeak)
• Mobile or web development.

Furthermore, it should delve into specialized skills such as:

• Data Analytics
• Machine learning
• IoT security

The curriculum’s design within these universities must be meticulously crafted to provide a deep dive into IoT’s theoretical underpinnings and practical applications, ensuring a well-rounded education.

Laboratories Equipped for the Future

“Within the crucible of our labs, theory is transformed into action, where every experiment brings us closer to the future we’re not just predicting but creating.”

Hands-on experience is indispensable in IoT education, necessitating laboratories with the latest IoT tech.

These labs are incubators for innovation, where students engage directly with IoT devices, navigate programming challenges with microcontrollers, explore connectivity through various protocols, and send data to the IoT platform.

They have become adept in harnessing IoT platforms (such as Favoriot) for:

• Data aggregation
• Understanding the IoT protocols such as MQTT, REST, or CoAP
• Mastering the art of data visualization and analytics.

This hands-on approach is critical, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, ensuring graduates are proficient in both.

Fostering Industry-Academia Synergies

“The bridge between academia and industry is built on shared visions, where classrooms extend into the real world, and students emerge not just as graduates but as pioneers of IoT innovation.”

The symbiosis between academia and industry is a cornerstone of IoT education.

Universities with robust industry connections offer students unparalleled access to real-world IoT projects, internships, and the chance to earn IoT Professional Certifications.

These collaborative ventures are more than educational enhancements; they are a conduit to the practicalities of the IoT landscape, preparing students for the dynamic challenges of the industry.

Scholarly Faculty: The Pillars of Excellence

“Behind every great innovation in IoT, there stands a mentor from academia, whose wisdom lights the path from knowledge to wisdom, from classrooms to the cosmos of technology.”

The caliber of an IoT program is significantly uplifted by the faculty’s expertise and industry experience.

The distinction of Malaysian universities in IoT education can be attributed to their accomplished faculty, whose academic rigor and practical insights equip students with a profound understanding of IoT’s technical and business dimensions.

Their guidance ensures students are well-versed in the latest technological advancements and prepared to navigate the complexities of the IoT ecosystem.

Envisioning a Future Forged by IoT Expertise

“In the realm of IoT education, Malaysia is not just a participant but a visionary architect, crafting a future where technology serves as a bridge to an innovative, interconnected world.”

Malaysian universities are at the vanguard of global IoT education, heralding a new era of technological leadership.

By offering a curriculum that is both comprehensive and cutting-edge, fostering hands-on learning through advanced labs, cultivating industry partnerships, and being home to esteemed faculty, these institutions are laying the groundwork for IoT innovation.

The burgeoning demand for skilled IoT professionals underscores the significance of their mission, positioning these graduates as pivotal contributors to the local and global technological landscapes.

The achievements of these educational programs transcend national boundaries, marking Malaysia as a critical influencer in the IoT domain’s future direction.

IoT Trainings Offered by Favoriot:

• Internet of Things (IoT) Fundamentals with Favoriot IoT Platform
• Advanced Internet of Things (IoT) with Favoriot IoT Platform
• Mastering AIoT — From Theory to Practice

Contact Favoriot to schedule an appointment or for further details

This article, “The Best Universities in Malaysia That Offers IoT Courses or Programmes,” was originally published on Medium.

MyIoTA, or the Malaysia Internet-of-Things Association, leads the charge of transforming various industries in Malaysia through digital innovation and IoT.

It aims to tap into the endless potential of IoT technologies, pushing Malaysia to the forefront of the global digital economy and into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

MyIoTA has set up strategic plans to boost investments in IoT, foster idea sharing among key players, build partnerships across different sectors, showcase Malaysian IoT innovations worldwide, and guide industries on their digital transformation journey.

The Role of MyIoTA in Digital Transformation

MyIoTA plays a crucial role in reshaping Malaysian industries by promoting IoT technologies.

This effort increases efficiency, innovation, and growth in various sectors.

MyIoTA’s commitment includes:

• Boosting IoT Investments and Innovations: MyIoTA highlights IoT’s capabilities to spark investment and innovation.
• Encouraging Idea Sharing: It creates a space for IoT entrepreneurs, researchers, CIOs, and policymakers to exchange insights and shape the future of IoT.
• Building Partnerships: MyIoTA works to ensure a united approach to IoT development, making industries more digitally adept.
• Promoting Malaysian IoT Globally: It aims to enhance the global presence of Malaysian IoT companies, opening doors to international opportunities.
• Guiding Digital Transformation: MyIoTA leads industries through their digital evolution, using IoT to unlock new efficiencies and opportunities.

Favoriot’s Role and the MyIoTA IoT Sensor Hub

The MyIoTA IoT Sensor Hub is a prime example of local innovation supported by MyIoTA.

Designed and made entirely in Malaysia, this product represents MyIoTA’s collaborative spirit between several members.

Favoriot, a member of MyIoTA, has contributed to developing the IoT Sensor Hub via its IoT middleware, which makes it easier for users to collect and send data for visualization and analysis.

Transforming the Economy and Industry with IoT

The MyIoTA IoT Sensor Hub, backed by MyIoTA’s open SDK policy, is a crucial driver of innovation, allowing developers to customize IoT solutions.

This device simplifies the deployment of IoT projects, making them more practical and reliable.

It helps businesses and developers quickly move from ideas to implementation, keeping Malaysian companies competitive.

(Note: Download the MyIoTA IoT Sensor Hub Brochure)

Creating New Opportunities

The MyIoTA IoT Sensor Hub is set to create new jobs, launch new businesses, and revamp existing industries.

It paves the way for innovation, leading sectors into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

This change is about adopting new technology and economic transformation, leading to new business models, tech job growth, and the digital update of traditional industries.

A Call for Collaborative Transformation

MyIoTA’s initiatives, especially its collaboration with members like Favoriot and the development of the MyIoTA IoT Sensor Hub, aim to make Malaysian IoT companies leaders worldwide.

By making IoT project deployment easier and fostering a network of partners and developers, MyIoTA ensures Malaysia stays ahead in digital innovation.

This collective effort invites everyone to contribute to a future where innovation, connectivity, and advanced digital technologies drive national and global progress.

Video — MyIoTA SensorHub V1 Getting Started

Contact Favoriot to schedule an appointment or for further information.

This article, “MyIoTA IoT Sensorhub That Creates New Opportunities,” was originally published on Medium.