Taiwan Sets Ambitious Goal for App Development Industry

Taipei, Aug. 15, 2011 (CENS)--Economic Minister Y.S. Shih recently said the ministry will help Taiwan's information-communications technology (ICT) manufacturers integrate hardware and software systems to develop Taiwan into the hub of Chinese-language app creativity.

The ministry recently co-staged an event to push for the development of the island's app industry with 10-some ICT hardware and software manufacturers, including Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd., Far EasTone Telecom Co., Ltd., HTC Corp., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd., MediaTek Inc., Cite Media Holding Group and Google.

As part of the app plan the ministry will launch an “App 123 Platform” and hold an “App Star” TV audition to encourage college students and geeks to make fortune out of app-software writing.

Shih pointed out that Taiwan's ICT makers need to fight their way out of crowded competitions by embarking on system integration and content development. He noted that the island's ICT industry has long depended on hardware manufacturing for revenue and is now confronted by mainland China's competitors.

The minister emphasized that system integration and content development can boost the value of Taiwan's ICT industry. He went on that the ministry has worked out five-year programs on developing the app industry and AMOLED (active matrix organic light emitting diode) panel supply chain after it opened a smart handheld device ad hoc early this year. The ad hoc aims to help Taiwan's ICT industry achieve the goal of turning out revenue of NT$1.68 trillion (US$57.9 billion at US$1:NT$29) in 2014.

The ministry has also vowed to help the island's ICT industry turn out 20,000 app programs and train 1,000 app-software specialists in a year.