Abstract

Data revolution has transformed policymaking, enabling more informed and effective decisions. This paper elaborates the collaborative effort taken by the Department of Statistics, Malaysia to increase data readiness in order to support formulation of data driven policy. Official statistics are normally produced by National Statistical Offices (NSOs) and other entities to serve policy making processes. In the rapidly evolving data-rich ecosystems where data sources and technologies are rapidly change, it is important for NSOs to meet data needs requested by users and stakeholders. In this scenario, NSOs must collaborate with various data producers in the National Statistical System. Type of collaboration includes inter-agency collaboration, data sharing initiatives, capacity building and training, investment in infrastructure and technology and leverage collective expertise in data science. NSOs need to leverage their relationship with citizens, data producers and data users to ensure the readiness of relevant data and information to foster national development. Data readiness can significantly support data-driven policy in Malaysia by ensuring data availability, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of data. By harnessing collaboration, the full potential of data can be established to create impactful data driven policies.