The representatives announced the joint preparation of an “Asian Open Data Alliance”. Vice Premier Chang San-Cheng personally attended the event and gave a speech. Over 400 representatives of industries, government, academia and research institutes attended the event.

Vice Premier Chang mentioned that it is necessary for Taiwan to engage in international exchange, and understand the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. He also pointed out that Asian countries should find their own motivation and features, and hopes that the establishment of an Asian Open Data Alliance will lead to the design of an Open Data index suitable for Asian countries.

The event invited data scientist Ben Wellington, who has been called the King of Open Data in New York City by media in the U.S. Ben shared how he influenced policies of NYC’s government using Open Data analysis, and noted that Taiwan has made much more progress than NYC with respect to Open Data development. Communities promoting Open Data in Taiwan were all encouraged by what he said.

Approaches and examples of different countries with respect to industrial applications, government policies, and cooperation between public and private sectors were also shared during the event. Countries have high expectations for the Asian Open Data Alliance, which will create new opportunities for exchange, interaction and economic cooperation.