Speaking at the press conference following the Regional Currency Conference opening at Paradise Island Resort on Tuesday, De La Rue’s General Manager Asia Mark Filer stated that the new “Ran dhiha faheh” currency series’ features are highly different from the current notes. He described the series as aesthetically pleasing with the depiction of Maldivian culture and traditions, in addition to very strong security features. Filer claimed that forging the new series is impossible, as the polymer used to print the notes were prepared especially for De La Rue and highly shielded. He stated that the greatest difference between the old and the new is the switch from paper notes to polymer. He also claimed the notes are user friendly and highly distinguishable due to the different colours for each note: MVR 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000. Another new feature is the varying textures of each note, enabling the visually impaired to differentiate between the notes. Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA)’s Governor Dr Azeema Adam said research indicate that cash notes will be necessary for the foreseeable future. However, authorities are working to strengthen the nation’s electronic payment system. “Like any other country, our small and medium businesses play the biggest role in maintaining our economy. Their medium of trade and remuneration is cash notes,” said Dr Azeema. The governor added that the main objective of introducing a new currency series is to prove that Maldivian currency can be counterfeit proof. She added that campaigns will be launched across the nation after the “Ran dhiha fahah” launching to familiarize the citizens with the new features. “The best way to combat counterfeit notes is to raise public awareness on the issue,” she remarked. Twenty nine representatives from ten central banks attended the joint conference of MMA and De La Rue. According to De La Rue, the main discussions of the conference concern the new series’ security features and usage, and information on its design and technology.