Malaysia tops global open data ranking through OpenDOSM NextGen app
PUTRAJAYA: The OpenDOSM NextGen application, a platform offering data catalogues and visualisations to help users analyse various datasets, has propelled Malaysia onto the global stage in the Open Data Inventory (Odin) 2024/25 assessment.
Launched by the Statistics Department of Malaysia (DOSM) in 2023, the platform helped Malaysia outperform 198 countries with an overall score of 90 and an exceptional data openness score of 99.
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin (pic) said Odin is an important benchmark as it provides a comprehensive overview of how well a country makes its data open and accessible to all.
Malaysia also made history by climbing to the top of the Odin ranking, a significant jump from 67th place in the 2022/2023 assessment.
"OpenDOSM, which currently hosts 645 datasets, allows anyone, including the public, to access information at their fingertips. In addition to economic data, we also provide social, environmental, and detailed data from parliamentary to state assembly levels, indirectly assisting the government in planning more targeted development and economic projects," Mohd Uzir said in a special interview.
He said the OpenDOSM initiative has successfully bridged the information gap between policymakers and the public.
By offering an accessible and user-friendly data platform, OpenDOSM strengthens the ability of policymakers and researchers to make evidence-based decisions.
"The platform's recognition has extended beyond Malaysia's borders. Countries like Qatar have shown interest in our approach, and I have been invited to share our experience and best practices in implementing OpenDOSM," he said.
Asked about the factors contributing to Malaysia's success in the latest Odin assessment, Mohd Uzir credited the commitment and passion of DOSM personnel in promoting public awareness and data literacy. This, he said, led to strategic reforms focused on improving data coverage and openness.
"A special task force was established to address identified gaps, with particular attention given to gender-based data and district-level statistics," he said.
He added that the newly announced assessment methodology by Open Data Watch (ODW) for Odin 2024/25 also spurred DOSM to prioritise the publication of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)-related data, as it is a key component in the scoring system.
To sustain Malaysia's performance in future assessments, Mohd Uzir said DOSM has implemented an Odin Self-Assessment Dashboard to monitor real-time progress on data coverage and openness.
Among the key enhancements to OpenDOSM is the integration of the Advanced Release Calendar (ARC), synchronised with DOSM's official portal, to help users access the latest information on DOSM publications.
Additionally, OpenDOSM now offers an email subscription feature that notifies users when new datasets are published.
"DOSM remains committed to strengthening Malaysia's open data agenda to ensure continued relevance at both national and global levels," he said.
The Odin report, published biennially, evaluates the openness and coverage of official national statistics based on the availability of key indicators, disaggregation by time and geography, and accessibility in machine-readable formats.
Odin aims to promote transparency, accountability, and evidence-based development through the use of high-quality data. — Bernama
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