Recent claims questioning the effectiveness of Malaysia’s pharmaceutical security label programme, FarmaTag™, have reignited an important debate about the programme’s effectiveness. The Ministry of Health (MOH) responded unequivocally, firmly rejecting claims that the system is incapable of protecting consumers from falsified medicines.

Over the last one to two years, the currency industry has witnessed a noticeable increase in the launch of security features, particularly in optical security. Technologies that once evolved gradually over long document redesign cycles are now being refreshed at a much faster pace. This raises an important question: has a new race in optical innovation begun?

On International Women’s Day (8 March), we celebrate the female researchers, engineers, and leaders who have helped shape the optical and security printing industry.

Back in our November 2025 editorial for Holography & Optical Technology News™, we said that collaboration was becoming a smarter strategic pathway than aggressive acquisitions, which appeared to have reached a natural peak. This shift encouraged more agile partnership models, offering companies a faster route to innovation in the rapidly evolving anticounterfeiting landscape.

As we conclude 2025, we reflect on a year that transformed the OVDs sector. Our pages highlighted breakthroughs, bold ideas, and the expanding critical role of OVDs across various sectors. The industry advanced rapidly, and your engagement helped us follow this development with clarity and purpose.

The security and authentication sector has seen a surge in significant acquisitions in recent years, enhancing capabilities and consolidating expertise. However, recent developments suggest a shift in focus. Partnerships and collaborations are now becoming more prominent. The question arises: is collaboration the way forward?

At the recent LUXEPACK Monaco (29 September-1 October), Rolling Optics, a subsidiary of Oberthur, unveiled Fidaro™ – a micro-optic-based brand protection solution for packaging, labels, and product integration.

This September in Warsaw, the International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) unveiled another milestone – organising the first ‘Excellence in Optical Technologies Awards’. Now, almost 30 years on, the wheel has turned once more with a broader optical lens.

The brand protection landscape is entering a new era, marked not only by technological advancements but also by a shift in identity.

The introduction of portrait-format identity cards signifies a shift in how governments approach ID design. With Iceland’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) compliant vertical ID launched in 2024 and Cameroon’s in 2025 (see page 4), the transition from landscape to portrait layouts offers a new canvas for optical security.