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The article presents an international update on the information technology industry as of March 2004. IGroup, a distributor of databases, e-journals, and library automation systems, has contracted CAVAL Collaborative Solutions, a consortium of Australian universities to prepare a report on the feasibility of developing a new international certificate and diploma course for Asian librarians and information professionals. The feasibility study will seek to establish which skills employers are looking for and how knowledge management techniques and new library technologies and standards can be incorporated into a new curriculum. The National Library of Malaysia has launched a new Web site to help improve knowledge of Islam and Muslim communities. The International Islamic Digital Library is a Web-based collection of digital books, manuscripts, theses, journal articles and working papers. Also, in Australia, a new search engine has been launched that claims to offer more precise and personalized searching. Meanwhile, in Taiwan, Creative Commons, a non-profit organization dedicated to building a body of creative works that are free to be copied and reused, has announced that it's information discussions to expand its International Commons project to China and Taiwan.

The article stresses the need for more federal support for medical technology companies in Australia. A paper published by the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) suggests strategies on how to ensure a sustainable medical technology industry. The MTAA proposes an increase in export of medical technology products to meet the growing demand across Asia. The organization also favors a collaborative approach to thinking about the future of the industry.