Founded in 2013, International Finance has grown into a leading provider of business media services, driven by a distinctive mission: to recognise and celebrate exceptional talent, visionary leadership, significant industry contributions, and outstanding skills on a global scale.

In 2014, International Finance gained international recognition with the launch of its inaugural flagship programme in London. Supported by the rigorous work of its research and development team, the organisation distinguished itself by identifying top-tier corporate talent. Award recipients were selected based on the strength of their applications and their proven record of achievement.

During the nomination process, International Finance focuses on eminent C-suite executives and senior management leaders across sectors, including finance, banking, asset management, brokerage, insurance, energy, oil and gas, logistics, and utilities. Nominees are drawn from key markets across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Previous recipients of the International Finance Awards include prominent companies such as La Trobe Financial, Security Bank Corporation, Asialink Finance Corporation, East West Banking Corporation, Krungthai Bank, SOCAR, Alistithmar Capital, QNB Egypt, Al Qassim National Hospital, The Access Bank UK Limited, Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited, Chung Hwa Bank Taiwan, stc Saudi Arabia, SAL Saudi Arabia, Saudi Ground Services, Alinma Bank Saudi Arabia, ROSHN – Saudi Arabia, BEEAH Group, MODON Saudi Arabia, United Real Estate Company Kuwait, Real Estate Registry – Saudi Arabia, stc Kuwait, Zain Kuwait, and Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC).

In 2016, the scope of the International Finance Awards expanded to include Southeast Asia as a second venue. By 2018, the ceremonies had attracted over 400 distinguished dignitaries. These awards served as powerful motivators for corporate entities, inspiring them to become industry leaders and facilitating growth through the extensive networking opportunities provided by International Finance.

With a vision of a future where passion seamlessly merges with excellence, International Finance is driven by a relentless conviction. To all business talents poised for greatness, seize the opportunity to have your name etched onto the prestigious winner’s board of the International Finance Awards.

The post 13th Annual International Finance Awards: A global celebration of excellence in Thailand appeared first on International Finance.

As she officially assumed office, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of controversial billionaire former Prime Minister Thaksin, pledged to strengthen the faltering Thai economy. After a court dismissed the former premier and disbanded the main opposition party, Paetongtarn, the youngest prime minister in the Kingdom’s history at 37, took over, causing further unrest in Thailand’s already fragile political landscape.

She will attempt to avoid the fate of her father and aunt Yingluck, both of whom were overthrown in military coups, despite being the third Shinawatra to hold the position of prime minister. Paetongtarn has urged all Thais to cooperate in order to support the nation’s economy, which has had a difficult time recovering from the COVID-19 outbreak.

“As head of the government, I will work with parliament with an open heart, open to all ideas to help develop the country,” she said during the investiture.

Alongside Paetongtarn’s husband in the front row, 75-year-old Thaksin was a notable guest during the event.

He said, “She must work hard. She’s young, she can ask anyone for help, and she’s humble. Twenty-three years ago, she was standing behind my back, but today I was standing behind her.”

Her Pheu Thai party, the most recent iteration of the political movement her father started in the early 2000s, leads Paetongtarn’s coalition government, which also includes several pro-military organisations that have long opposed Thaksin.

Following the dismissal of former Premier Srettha Thavisin for violating ethical regulations by choosing a Cabinet minister with a criminal conviction, she was promoted to the top position. The Kingdom’s conservative, pro-military, pro-royalist elite and Thaksin and his supporters have been engaged in a power struggle over Thailand for more than 20 years.

Despite winning elections on multiple occasions, parties associated with the former telecom mogul and former Manchester City owner have had their administrations overthrown by coups and court decisions.

Running the hotel division of the family business until late 2022, Paetongtarn is a relative novice. She entered politics before the 2024 general election, in which the progressive upstart Move Forward Party (MFP) unexpectedly defeated Pheu Thai to take second place.

A controversial father

Despite gaining the majority of seats in the previous election, conservative senators nominated by the junta prevented MFP from establishing a government because they were alarmed by its pledge to dismantle strong corporate monopolies and change rules pertaining to royal insults.

This paved the way for Srettha’s rise by enabling Pheu Thai to reach an awkward coalition agreement with pro-military groups that had previously been adamantly opposed to Thaksin and his supporters.

He was removed by the Constitutional Court less than a year later, making him the third prime minister from a party supported by Thaksin. Her father, the most powerful and divisive politician in contemporary Thai history, will be closely observed for indications of his influence over Paetongtarn.

At a press conference, she acknowledged that she would consult Thaksin when necessary but maintained that she had her own thoughts and objectives and was not dependent on him.

“It is not required. I’m becoming older. Since I am 75 years old, she is free to ask me anything,” Thaksin responded when asked if he would formally serve as her adviser.

In the early 2000s, he changed the political landscape of the Kingdom by implementing populist measures that garnered two electoral victories and the long-term allegiance of the rural populace. The conservative establishment and Thailand’s powerful elites, however, hated him because they believed his leadership was corrupt, autocratic, and socially unstable.

When the army ousted Thaksin as prime minister in 2006, he went into exile two years later, but his detractors claim he never ceased making comments about or interfering in national matters. He returned in 2024 on the day Srettha was appointed prime minister, and he was promptly imprisoned on allegations of bribery and abuse of office related to his tenure.

He was given a royal pardon when the King swiftly reduced his eight-year sentence to one year and granted him release due to his advanced age and ill health. However, it is still unclear what kind of policies the ruling Pheu Thai Party will enact and what impact her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, will have.

Following Srettha Thavisin’s removal as prime minister due to an ethical transgression, the Shinawatra family has returned to the position of head of state. Experts, however, questioned Paetongtarn’s level of independence almost immediately.

Thaksin, a highly controversial but significant figure in Thai politics, is the father of Paetongtarn. He has served as prime minister twice and created the Pheu Thai Party. However, he left Thailand in 2008 and lived in self-exile for 15 years after being accused of wrongdoing. In 2023, he returned.

“How can we be sure that Paetongtarn, as prime minister, answers to the Thai public and not her father?” Napon Jatusripitak, a visiting fellow at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, told VOA in August.

Political scientist and international relations professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University thinks the elder Thaksin’s function is clear.

“After 15 years in exile, he is now like an overseeing chairman running the country with his daughter Paetongtarn as chief executive and prime minister. 2024 was another wasteful year following a much-anticipated election that installed Srettha as prime minister, who got the boot for uncompelling reasons,” he stated to VOA.

After the Move Forward Party, Thailand’s election victor, was disqualified from holding the position of prime minister in 2023, Pheu Thai took control. After the Constitutional Court determined that the Move Forward Party’s pre-election campaign promises were intended to overthrow the monarchy, the party was disbanded in August 2024.

On August 7, in Bangkok, former Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat arrived at the party headquarters following the ruling of Thailand’s Constitutional Court in a case that sought to dissolve the opposition group for calling for lese-majeste reform.

The People’s Party, which was established in 2024 as Move Forward’s replacement, will likewise have difficulties in the coming year. Similar to its predecessors, the People’s Party has pledged to alter Thailand’s royal defamation statute. The development of this newly established opposition party will be monitored by political analysts in the run-up to Thailand’s 2027 elections.

However, Thitinan stated that Thailand’s attention must now be on the policies of the ruling Pheu Thai Party due to the recent political unrest and nine years of military administration.

“Despite shortcomings behind a heavily doctored government formation, 2025 could see a semblance of stability amid anti-government noises that allow the Thai economy and Thailand’s international standing to perk up to a point after years of mismanagement under a military-based regime,” he added.

The second-biggest economy in Southeast Asia, Thailand, will once more be closely examined. Compared to many of its regional neighbours, it grows more slowly each year.

According to the finance ministry, the country’s GDP is expected to expand by 2.7% in 2024, up from the initial 3.0% estimate.

Since thousands of enterprises have shuttered in recent years, Thailand’s manufacturing sector—one of its core economic sectors—is struggling. Some Thai companies, such as the baby clothing retailer Pretty Baby in Bangkok, are worried about inventory problems.

The economic difficulties were described by Kiatanantha Lounkaew, a lecturer in economics at Bangkok’s Thammasat University.

“Our competitiveness has been declining since 2000 because our economy has been running with the same framework. Compared to our regional partners, we are unable to compete in the municipal [foreign direct investments] market,” he told VOA earlier in 2024.

Thaksin even offered his opinion on the matter due to the economic concerns. The former prime minister outlined a 14-point plan to improve the nation’s economy, which included employing locally produced goods, promoting tourism, building entertainment complexes, and overhauling the public debt and farm sector.

According to Thitinan, Thailand has to focus on digitisation.

“The dial has moved on; they have to be talking about much more digitalisation, digital economy, AI, machine learning, education reform,” he stated to VOA in August.

The introduction of the contentious Digital Wallet programme, which gives around 50 million citizens a one-time distribution of $280 in digital currency to spend locally to boost the economy, has been one of the main economic initiatives.

Experts have questioned the programme’s potential benefits, but Paetongtarn has carried on Srettha’s approach.

The Paetongtarn government’s policies seem to be more rapid-fire than Srettha’s. Tita Sanglee, an associate fellow at the ISEAS Institute, told VOA that although both are intently focused on the economy, Paetongtarn has the advantage of a larger team and more resources because she is the leader of the Pheu Thai Party and Thaksin’s daughter.

“This seems to have allowed her government to push Pheu Thai’s initiatives more actively, things like cash handouts, a three-year debt suspension for farmers, discussions on casino legalisation, and efforts to boost tourism and attract foreign investments,” she stated.

However, experts predict that because of Thailand’s evolving social policies, the country will experience a historic year after the marriage equality bill was enacted by parliament and went into effect on January 24.

“Even social programmes with obvious economic effects include the marriage equality law and the plan to provide stateless people permanent residency and nationality. The former strengthens Thailand’s standing as a pioneer in LGBTQ inclusion, increasing its allure as a travel destination,” Tita continued.

The economy has historically relied heavily on foreign travel, and the upcoming year is predicted to bring historic outcomes.

At its height in 2019, 11.5% of the nation’s GDP came from tourism. A record-breaking 40 million visitors are expected to arrive in Thailand in 2025, up from 34 million in 2024. Making it simpler for foreign visitors to enter the nation is the goal of easing visa entry requirements and introducing new visa programmes.

Experts predict that Thaksin will have an impact on Thailand’s New Year plans regardless of the outcome. Once an adversary of Thailand’s conservative and royal regimes, Thaksin is now 75 years old and has re-entered Thai politics, albeit in an unofficial capacity.

“The year 2025 could see a reset in motion as Thaksin is allowed to run Thailand from the back with Paetongtarn as figurehead with the royalist establishment’s uneasy approval, due to fears of reform-minded People’s Party succeeding the dissolved Move Forward,” Thitinan stated.

Tita said, “I would pay close attention to Thaksin’s involvement in Thailand’s foreign relations.”

Concerns over conflicts of interest may be heightened by the fact that he has personal connections to numerous regional leaders. Any intervention by Thaksin is significant given the current geopolitical unrest and mounting criticism of Thailand’s foreign policies.

Experts chart the road ahead

Thailand’s economy is at a pivotal moment as it battles sluggish growth and structural issues that are expected to cap GDP growth at 2.7% in 2025. Despite strengthening tourism and agriculture sectors, a vast informal economy, declining exports, and global headwinds remain threats to the Southeast Asian country’s progress.

Supavud Saicheua, chair of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and advisor at Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group, said that while inflation remains low, the economy’s growth languishes at below 3%, creating difficulties in maintaining stability within acceptable parameters. The best bet would be to cap the policy rate at 2% to ease borrowing constraints and stimulate growth.

“I believe the policy rate, which is described as neutral and not overly aggressive, is high—particularly given that our GDP growth is less than 3%. While inflation is expected to return to target, it has not and will not do so due to low inflation in larger countries, such as China, and a negative producer price index for 18 months. Plus, banks are not issuing loans, so where will the inflation come from?” he stated.

Pipat Leuangnaruemitchai, chief economist at KKP Financial Group, said the newly appointed United States President Donald Trump’s potential policies would have both negative and positive implications for Thailand’s economy.

Notably, he said, the absence of Long-Term Equity Fund (LTF) measures diminished the Thai market’s appeal. While acknowledging strong investor interest in this initiative, he emphasised the need for balanced policies to ensure social harmony while exploring economic opportunities.

At the heart of Thailand’s economic challenges lies its huge informal economy, which accounts for a staggering 48% of the GDP. Household debt, meanwhile, has soared to 104% of the GDP, with informal loans further exacerbating the issue.

Dr. Pacharapoj Nantaramas of Krungthai Bank warned that this shadow economy requires urgent integration into the formal sector to enhance the nation’s economic potential. While the automotive industry faces declining production by more than 15% from historical averages, Thailand’s agriculture and tourism industries have good growth potential.

Supavud further stated that China’s limited agricultural capacity, less than 10% of global arable land, presents an opportunity for Thailand to enhance its agricultural and food production capabilities and exports.

As per Pacharapoj, efforts to create “man-made destinations” will help attract high-spending tourists, potentially increasing pre-visitor spending by 19% to 58,300 baht per person per trip. Exports are projected to grow by just 2% in 2025, down from 4% in 2024. Both Krungthai and KKP experts say that this decline reflects global trade tensions and tariff risks. The return of Trump as the Republican president could worsen the situation, with increased barriers for Thailand.

The government has introduced tax cuts and targeted financial aid to stimulate consumption, though experts warn that these may only have short-term effects. Public investment is expected to grow by 5.1%, contrasting with private investment, which lags at 3%. The global minimum tax on multinationals poses further hurdles to foreign investment.

To overcome these economic challenges, experts have said Thailand should prioritise the integration of the informal economy, while innovating tourism to attract high-value visitors. Semiconductor industries should also prioritise competitiveness, manage debt, and create a favourable environment for foreign investment under global tax regulations.

The post Thailand’s economy in focus for 2025 appeared first on International Finance.

Founded in 2013, International Finance has become a prominent provider of business media services with a unique mission. The objective is to recognise and celebrate exceptional talent, outstanding leadership, significant industry contributions, and remarkable skills on a global scale.

In 2014, International Finance captured attention by launching its inaugural flagship programme in London. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of its research and development team, the organisation excelled in identifying top corporate talent. These individuals were recognised and awarded based on the strength of their applications and notable past accomplishments.

During the nomination process, International Finance prioritises distinguished C-level executives and senior management representatives in the fields of finance, banking, asset management, brokerage, insurance, energy, oil and gas, logistics, and utilities from the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Previous recipients of the International Finance Awards include prominent corporations such as AlBawani Holding, Bahrain Development Bank, Emirates Islamic Bank (P.J.S.C.), SOCAR Capital, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Saudi Telecom Company, Sharjah Asset Management, Oman Oil Corporation for Exploration and Production, Emirates NBD Egypt, BIDV, OCBC Bank, Barwa Bank, Saudi Enaya, and Kuwait Aviation Services Company.

In 2016, the scope of the International Finance Awards expanded to include Southeast Asia as a second venue. By 2018, the ceremonies had attracted over 400 distinguished dignitaries. These awards served as powerful motivators for corporate entities, inspiring them to become industry leaders and facilitating growth through the extensive networking opportunities provided by International Finance.

With a vision of a future where passion seamlessly merges with excellence, International Finance is driven by an unwavering conviction. To all business talents poised for greatness, seize the opportunity to have your name etched onto the prestigious winner’s board of the International Finance Awards.

The post 12th Annual International Finance Awards: Expect a night of excellence in Thailand appeared first on International Finance.

The company, with its core focus on ‘Wealth and Health’, has played a crucial role in ensuring the long-term success of both the organization and its stakeholders.

As of 2023, Bangkok Life Assurance Public Limited has established itself as Thailand’s leading health insurance provider, offering outstanding insurance products and providing customers with a sense of security and well-being.

Now, let’s explore the key factors that have played a significant role in the company’s market dominance.

Acing The Wealth Care Game

A strong and competitive wealth management product is one that effectively caters to the evolving needs of customers while maintaining simplicity.

Bangkok Life Assurance has successfully cracked this winning formula in the market. Its life insurance products are tailored to individual needs and are accompanied by clear and easily comprehensible terms and conditions, making them accessible to everyone.

“The company takes extra care when it comes to designing participating products and unit-linked products which both come with investment features. With its team of expert investment analysts and financial advisors, Bangkok Life Assurance can meet the needs of the customers when it comes to comprehensive financial planning,” Bangkok Life Assurance told International Finance.

A Wide Portfolio Of Health Coverage Plans

Bangkok Life Assurance offers an extensive selection of health coverage plans, including ‘Prestige Health,’ ‘BLA Happy Health,’ and ‘Value Health.’ Each plan is designed to address specific customer needs.

In addition to its highly sought-after range of health insurance products, the company is committed to providing exceptional health services with a customer-centric approach. This ensures that customers receive top-quality and dependable services, fostering a positive sentiment towards their insurance commitments with Bangkok Life.

“Bangkok Life Assurance never stops developing health services in addition to great insurance products to deliver the best experience to its customers,” said the company, while talking about the ‘BLA EveryCare’, which is a complete health service program designed to capture the customers’ needs at every point of their health journey.

Let’s take a closer look at the ‘BLA Medevac Hotline’ as a compelling case study. This product is a valuable resource during medical emergencies and is the result of a collaborative effort between Bangkok Life Assurance and its esteemed hospital partners. The initiative ensures the secure transfer of patients to and from Thai hospitals throughout their treatment, emphasizing the crucial principle of “Speed Means Everything” in healthcare crises.

Additionally, let’s discuss ‘TeleMed Plus,’ an online doctor consultation service that helps alleviate customers’ concerns about the early symptoms of a health crisis. It assists them in making informed decisions about whether hospital admission is necessary, providing peace of mind and timely guidance.

“The service can be enjoyed at the customer’s fingertip through a phone or video call. An additional and free service of the same nature is BLA Health Partner offered by the company’s very own medical centre to every one of its customers,” stated Bangkok Life Assurance.

“For customers who need extra care after a hospital stay, Bangkok Life Assurance also offers services such as a driving home service, a practical nursing service and a physiotherapy service to ensure a smooth transition from the hospital to the patient’s home. The company also provides an Elderly Center and Home Health Care Information Service for those who require rehabilitation after hospital discharge,” it noted.

In times of crisis, Bangkok Life Assurance goes beyond its role as a health coverage provider and becomes a trusted friend for patients, guiding them through every stage of their treatment. BLA acts as a reliable financial institution that not only offers health coverage but also provides support and assistance when it is needed the most.

Promoting Quality Services Through Strong Partnerships

Bangkok Life Assurance is taking its health services to new heights by collaborating closely with its network hospitals. The company aims to ensure a seamless and positive customer journey, while also streamlining the claim reimbursement process for families of patients, making it hassle-free, fast, and efficient.

In line with this commitment, the company has introduced recognition awards, such as the ‘BLA Smart Hospital Awards,’ to acknowledge outstanding healthcare services provided by its network hospitals. These awards cover categories like best health check-up services, best customer services, and best agent services.

Additionally, the ‘BLA Best Caring Awards’ honour the insurance agents and staff who are the driving force behind Bangkok Life Assurance’s success. Their dedication and excellent service are recognized through these awards, highlighting the company’s focus on delivering caring and attentive experiences to its customers.

These awards reflect the company’s dedication to quality services, not only within its own operations but also within its collaborative partner ecosystem. Bangkok Life Assurance strives to make the concept of “caring” tangible in every action it takes.

Rather than resting on its laurels, Bangkok Life Assurance Public Limited remains committed to its ongoing efforts.

“Stepping into a sustainable future not only of itself, but also of Thailand, Bangkok Life Assurance will continue to offer the best insurance products and services to contribute to the sustainable health and wealth of Thai citizens,” BLA concluded.

The post Bangkok Life Assurance: Redefining health insurance excellence appeared first on International Finance.

Suphin Mechuchep, chairperson of property consultant JLL Thailand told the media, “Those working at the office for three days and at home for two days may create new requirements. Growing demand will also derive from the gig economy with gig workers from other countries and digital nomads around the world.

“We should prepare the public health system and pandemic controls like last year, while at least 80 percent of people in Bangkok and major destinations should be vaccinated in order to build foreign buyers’ confidence in a short period.”

Another expert also revealed that the reason Chinese buyers are interested in properties in Bangkok is that the annual yield is over 5 percent and the low cost of living in the capital. While some Chinese residents look for a second home in Thailand post-retirement.

Earlier this month, it was reported that developers in Thailand will start auctioning unsold homes online at deep discounts. Around 120 flats across Thailand will be made available for bidding on an online property portal. The flats will go on sale next month and are expected to be offered at a 20 to 40 percent below discount.

The post Foreign buyers to drive Bangkok property market improvement in 2022 appeared first on International Finance.

The startup will use the funds to enhance its technologies and simultaneously improve its product offerings. By doing so, Synqa hopes to gain an advantage in expanding its footprint in the fintech area.

The funding round for Synqa was led by Siam Commercial Bank’s venture capital subsidiary SCB 10X and Tokyo-listed asset manager Sparx Group.

Other investors such as  Toyota Motor’s financial arm Toyota Financial Services, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., SMBC Venture Capital, and Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance, also participated in the funding round, Nikkei reported.

Jun Hasegawa, founder, and chief executive of Synqa, said that he sees a lot of opportunities in accelerating digital payments and digital transformation for enterprises.

“Despite these challenging times, I see a lot of opportunities in accelerating digital payments and digital transformation for enterprises. This funding will accelerate the development of quality products and services by our subsidiaries to better connect people, businesses, and society. I strongly believe technologies and innovation are crucial to building a more accessible financial infrastructure,” he told the media.

The Bangkok-based startup, which was formerly known as Omise Holdings, offers payments services to online and offline merchants in Thailand, Japan, and Singapore. It also runs Ethereum-based money transfer tool OMG Network.

Synqa’s platform allows websites to complete transactions without sending shoppers elsewhere. Reportedly, its lists of clients in Thailand include McDonald’s, duty-free retailer King Power, the country’s second-largest mobile carrier True Corp. and hospitality giant Minor International.

The post Thai fintech Synqa secures $80 mn funding to enhance its tech appeared first on International Finance.

Organised by the prestigious London-based International Finance Magazine, the award recognises industry talent, leadership skills, industry net worth and capability on an international platform. The Technology Awards honoured contributions and work in the field of technology, that have incrementally enhanced the quality of financial services. Winners were selected based on the strength of their application and past accomplishments.

“As a pioneer in the remittance and e-money space, we are excited to be recognised for our commitment to delivering convenience to customers through digital technology. Valyou has stayed true to its vision of Enhancing Lives, setting the standard for innovative digital remittance service in Malaysia “said Prasanna Rao, CEO of Valyou.    

“We are making an impact by being relevant and our customers are in the heart of everything we do. The award is a testament of Valyou’s aim to revolutionise and digitise financial services as well as promote financial inclusion in Malaysia and in the region through digital technology, for the underbanked communities. Our innovation came in line with Bank Negara Malaysia’s drive toward digitalisation, positioning Malaysia at the forefront of promoting digital technology.” Mr. Rao added.

Valyou Mobile Wallet app enables migrant workers in Malaysia to send money to a bank account, via cash pickup agents or to supported e-wallets overseas directly from their smartphones. These customers can also purchase domestic and international prepaid top-ups and make bill payments using the e-wallet app.

First launched in November 2016, the e-wallet is supported by a network of over 2,000 merchants across Malaysia where users can cash in their account. These cash-in merchants also educate and assist customers to transfer money overseas securely and safely through formal remittance channels. Customers are also able to electronically perform cash in into the Valyou mobile wallet via their Bank Automated Teller Machines (ATM) or Online Banking and perform the remittance services themselves.

To further strengthen our offering, Valyou has also launched an online service providing customers with access to digital remittances via our Valyou Online portal.  The online service connects customers to our extensive list of international partners. The service seamlessly and securely integrated with customer’s internet banking account through FPX.

At Valyou we believe in revolutionising financial services through digital technology and we design our products and services with a focus on convenience, reliability and affordability.

Valyou is licensed and regulated as a money services business (MSB) and authorised to issue e-money by Bank Negara Malaysia. The Kuala Lumpur-based financial technology firm is a subsidiary of Telenor Group.

The post Valyou wins prestigious Technology Award at International Finance Awards in Bangkok appeared first on International Finance.