In late 2011 the AIIA stated clearly that most of its members were focussed on the Australian domestic market, and it consequently withdrew from CoMICTA, an organisation established to promote Australian ICT overseas. Although Austrade had offered the AIIA the chance to manage CoMICTA’s secretariat, the AIIA declined the offer and withdrew its membership.

At the time the AIIA CEO Suzanne Campbell said that; “Following a review of the benefit to AIIA members, who are mostly focused on the Australian domestic market, we have resolved that the management of the CoMICTA Secretariat is not closely aligned to our current priorities and will not deliver direct value for the majority of our members.”

It appears that in the last 12 months the organisation has had a change of heart.

Mr Wong, the founder and managing director of e-Centric Innovations, who was appointed AIIA chair last week said that it was important for the AIIA and the industry at large to develop strategic partnerships on the region which would make the local ICT industry more sustainable and productive.

In a media release issued by the AIIA Mr Wong was quoted saying that; “I am particularly excited about how the AIIA can foster opportunities for Australia's ICT companies in Asia, given the recent launch of the Australia in the Asian Century whitepaper by the Prime Minister.”

Besides setting its sights on Asia the AIIA claimed that it had strengthened its financial position over the last year.

It’s just over a year since Ms Campbell retrenched seven people from the AIIA as part of a significant restructuring to promote a more sustainable operation.

The AIIA’s media release quotes Ms Campbell; “This has been a milestone year for the AIIA. As well as championing big industry issues, we have built a strong foundation for the future which includes financial stability and a clear vision of ICT industry leadership, while maintaining the importance of delivering member value.”

Mr Wong replaces Intel CEO Philip Cronin as AIIA chair while IBM’s Andrew Stevens has been elected deputy chairman.

Six new board members have also been appointed to the AIIA: Ger Doyle from Ajilon Australia; Robert Hillard from Deloitte; Jeyan Jeevaratnam from Avanade Australia; John Paitaridis from Optus; Michael Pym from Maat Solutions; and Ian White from Oracle.