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Emirates features four classes on A380 New York flights

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DUBAI, UAE, 10 September 2025: Emirates has announced that its A380 services to New York JFK will all feature four cabin classes, including the award-winning Premium Economy cabin.

The direct flights EK201/202, which serve the daily Dubai/ New York JFK service, are scheduled to operate with Premium Economy from 1 December. 

In addition, Emirates’ other daily services via Milan, operating as EK205/206, will feature the signature Premium Economy experience from 10 November. Customers travelling between Dubai and Milan will now have the freedom to select Premium Economy seats from two daily flights, including the other service on EK091/092. 

The new upgrades to Emirates’ Dubai – New York service will complement flights EK203/204, which already serve customers daily with the Premium Economy cabin, promising exceptional levels of comfort on long-haul journeys.

Tickets in Premium Economy can be booked immediately on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents, as well as at Emirates retail stores. 

The re-configured A380 aircraft to operate as EK201/202 and EK205/206 will offer seats in First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class, providing expanded options for customers to choose from, whether travelling for business or leisure.

These additions will expand Emirates’ network of destinations offering Premium Economy on its fleet of A380s, B777s and A350 aircraft to 68 global points by March 2026, underscoring the airline’s commitment to investing in the very best customer experience in the sky and adding more premium cabin options, consistency and choice across geographies.

Emirates’ latest cabin features on board the four-class A380 are available on key routes to Australasia and Asia, including Sydney, Singapore, Osaka, Mumbai, Bangalore, and more.

On a four-class Emirates A380, the Premium Economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck with 56 seats laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration. Each seat offers generous pitch and width for working and relaxing, as well as customised features like in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table. The onboard experience is rounded off with meticulously selected in-flight amenities, a curated menu, and extensive beverage options, including the Chandon Vintage Brut 2016, a global exclusive to Emirates Premium Economy passengers.

Explore Emirates A380’s Premium Economy cabin virtually here.

Ascott set to manage Phuket project

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BANGKOK, 10 September 2025: The Ascott Limited Thailand (Ascott) has entered into a strategic partnership with Phuket HA 3 Co Ltd and Above Patong Residence Co Ltd to manage and brand the Ascott Abov Patong Phuket development.

An integrated destination comprising the Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort and Residences at Ascott Abov Patong Phuket marks Ascott’s first resort and branded residences in Phuket. Located just 150 metres from Patong Beach, the development will comprise 482 units across both resort and residential components.

Left to right: Saowarin Chanprakaisi, Vice President, Business Development, The Ascott Limited; Kanit Sangmookda, Country General Manager, Thailand & Laos, The Ascott Limited; Wuthikrai Kulsirisawad, Chief Executive Officer, Phuket HA 3 Co Ltd and Above Patong Residence Co Ltd; Nada Anerutteva, Chief Marketing Officer, Phuket HA 3 Co Ltd and Above Patong Residence Co Ltd.

Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort will offer accommodation ranging from deluxe rooms to two-bedroom suites, with facilities including two swimming pools, an executive lounge, a fitness centre, a kids’ club, and various recreational activities. Dining options will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a pool bar.

Residences at Ascott Abov Patong Phuket will feature one- and two-bedroom apartments with pool access, garden views, or sea views. Both freehold and leasehold ownership options will be available.

Ascott currently manages 26 properties across Bangkok, Pattaya, and Sri Racha, with three more properties in the pipeline. The addition of Ascott Abov Patong Phuket further reinforces Ascott’s position as one of the leading international lodging operators in Thailand.

Taiwan presents B&B branding at the MATTA Fair

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TTR WEEKLY
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TAIPEI, 10 September 2025: Taiwan’s two premier accommodation brands, Taiwan Host B&B and Star Hotels, made their debut at last week’s MATTA Fair 2025 Autumn edition held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Malaysia.

The Taiwan Pavilion at the MATTA Fair showcased its ‘Warm Hospitality of Taiwan’ campaign through interactive programmes, including Taiwan Host sharing sessions, travel trivia challenges, and social media prize draws. Show visitors also had the chance to win round-trip tickets between Kuala Lumpur and Taiwan.

Taiwan Host B&B is an official certification brand that emphasises six core values: friendliness, warmth, cleanliness, hygiene, safety, and quality service. 

Certified B&Bs provide guests with comfortable accommodations and attentive service. To date, more than 1,900 Taiwan Host B&Bs have been recognised nationwide. Of these, 100 have been recognised as Gold-Rated Taiwan Host B&Bs, grouped into five themes — Nature & Ecology, Cultural Discovery, Architectural Charm, Family & Pet Travel, and Culinary Delights — providing travellers with a wide range of unique experiences.

Star-rated Hotels, Taiwan’s other official accommodation brand, are certified through a rigorous evaluation process in which mystery inspectors assess over 500 criteria covering facilities and service quality. Hotels are rated from one to five stars, with an additional ‘Five-Star Excellence’ category for top-tier properties. Nearly 200 certified Star Hotels are now available across Taiwan, serving as a trusted guide for travellers seeking quality and reliability.

Muslim-Friendly Lodgings and Taiwan Host Dual Certification

To better serve Malaysian Muslim travellers, Taiwan has highlighted 24 properties that are dual-certified as both Muslim-Friendly Lodgings and Taiwan Host B&Bs. These accommodations are displayed on a distribution map with QR codes that link directly to their websites and social media pages, making it easy for visitors to access information and book a stay. This initiative combines the Taiwan Host brand’s spirit of hospitality with Muslim-friendly services, offering guests peace of mind, convenience, and comfort.

For more information about Taiwan Host B&Bs and Star Hotels, visit: https://www.taiwanstay.net.tw.

(Source: Taiwan Tourism Administration).

River cruise pioneer marks 30 years

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TTR WEEKLY
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HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, 10 September 2025: In 1995, when few saw potential in Burma’s waterways, Paul Strachan and his wife, Roser, recognised an opportunity to restore a historic Clyde-built steamer from the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company. 

This marked the birth of Pandaw Cruises and the beginning of a new style of intimate, culturally immersive travel in Southeast Asia. Three decades later, that single vessel has grown into a fleet of 13 river cruise ships, offering journeys across Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and India.

“We set out to create a kind of travel that did not exist in Southeast Asia at the time, building small, cultural expeditions where the river itself offered as much character as the ports we visited,” said Pandaw. CEO and Founder Paul Strachan.

“Thirty years later, we are still doing that. The ships are more numerous and the routes more diverse, but the philosophy remains unchanged. We go where others do not, and we do so in a way that respects the people and places along the way.”

Planning for the Future Amid Growing Demand

With 3,500 passengers travelling in the 2024–2025 season and more than 5,500 already booked for 2025–2026, Pandaw is shaping its next chapter. 

To support this growth, Antoni Strachan has been appointed Director of Operations, and Yves Van Kerrebroeck has joined the team as Commercial Director, bringing fresh perspectives to operations, strategy, and guest experience. 

These leadership moves position the company to expand its reach, refine service, and launch new itineraries, including the upcoming Kerala Backwaters expedition in October 2025, as well as potential expansion into Europe, exploring new routes along Italy’s Veneto and Po rivers.

With over 10,000 members and a 45% repeat guest rate, Pandaw’s strength is its community. “A river cruise isn’t just about ships or schedules,” says Toni Strachan. “It’s about the connections we create between our crew and guests and between travellers and the places they visit. 

“Many of these connections last long after the journey, with guests returning year after year. As we look to the future, we’re excited to find new ways for our guests to connect with the rivers, the cultures, and each other, all while keeping the Pandaw spirit alive.”

Celebrating 30 Years of River Cruising

Marking its 30th anniversary, Pandaw is celebrating with a suite of new tools designed to elevate the guest experience. Testing is currently underway of an AI-powered travel assistant offering real-time guidance and personalised recommendations, ensuring travellers have the information they need whenever they need it. The redesigned loyalty programme provides early booking privileges, exclusive rewards, and special offers for returning guests, further enhancing the value of every voyage. 

Meanwhile, a newly launched mobile app puts bookings, onboard schedules, and daily menus directly in guests’ hands, streamlining every aspect of the journey from planning to cruising.

In addition to these technological enhancements, Pandaw has introduced a new podcast series entitled Teak & Tales that brings the world of river cruising to life. Listeners can explore behind-the-scenes stories, hear expert insights from the crew, and discover highlights from destinations across Southeast Asia. The podcast aims to inspire future adventures while complementing the immersive experiences guests enjoy on board.

Looking Ahead

From the restoration of a single steamer to bold plans that span continents, Pandaw Cruises continues to chart a course defined by curiosity and a passion for rivers less travelled. As it embarks on its 30th season, the company remains committed to staying small enough to feel personal, yet ambitious enough to keep discovering what lies beyond the bend.

Thai AirAsia X takes off to Almaty

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BANGKOK, 10 September 2025: Thai AirAsia X ( XJ) is marking its foray into Central Asia with the launch of direct flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Almaty, Kazakhstan. 

Offering visa-free access*, breathtaking natural landscapes reminiscent of Europe, awe-inspiring architecture, rich cultural heritage, and a refreshing cool climate year-round, Almaty promises unforgettable experiences for travellers seeking scenic escapes and authentic cultural encounters.

Photo credit: Thai AirAsia X.

Starting 1 December 2025, flights will depart four times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday) aboard Thai AirAsia’s spacious Airbus A330s configured 367 seats available per flight. 

To celebrate the new route, the airline rolled out an introductory fare starting at THB6,690 one-way. Bookings are open until 21 September 2025 for travel between 1 December 2025 and 28 March 2026 via the AirAsia MOVE app or on the airline’s website.

Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan, blends cultural diversity with spectacular natural beauty — from the snow-capped Big Almaty Lake and dramatic Charyn Canyon to the famed Shymbulak Ski Resort, offering skiing from November through May. The city also brims with cultural icons like Zenkov Cathedral, the Central State Museum — Central Asia’s largest, and the lively Green Bazaar, where tradition meets modern life.

Thai AirAsia X, operating a fleet of nine Airbus A330s, currently serves direct services from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to seven destinations: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo (Japan), Seoul (South Korea), Delhi (India), Shanghai (China), and Almaty (Kazakhstan), which will be the 8th destination.

Bangkok-Don Mueang (DMK) – Almaty (ALA) flight schedule

*Information on visa-free entry:

Visa regime of the Republic of Kazakhstan for foreign citizens 

SQ shifts Phnom Penh flights to Techo

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SINGAPORE, 10 September 2025: Singapore Airlines successfully shifted its operations in Cambodia from Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) to Techo International Airport (KTI) on 9 September. 

The relocation affects all three daily flights between Singapore and Phnom Penh: SQ154, SQ156, and SQ158 from Singapore to Phnom Penh, as well as SQ153, SQ155, and SQ157 from Phnom Penh to Singapore.

Photo credit: Techo International Airport.

There will be no changes to the flight numbers or scheduled timings for flights operating to and from Phnom Penh, SQ reported.

Techo International Airport is located approximately 23km south of Phnom Penh city centre. 

Since 9 September, all airlines serving the Cambodian capital have moved their flights to Techo International Airport (KTI). Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) will remain open as a military airport, with some domestic flights and private jet operations. 

Phnom Penh Airport, originally Pochentong International Airport, was established in the 1930s as a military airstrip, officially opened in 1965, but saw limited use during the 1970s and 80s. A 1995 concession to a VINCI Airports subsidiary led to significant renovations and expansions in the late 1990s and 2010s, eventually being renamed Phnom Penh International Airport in 2003. (Source: Wikipedia).

Airlines and codeshare partners that moved flights yesterday to the new airport included:

Air Cambodia
AirAsia Cambodia
American Airlines
Asiana Airlines
Bangkok Airways
Cambodia Airways
Cathay Pacific
China Southern Airlines
China Eastern Airlines 
Delta Air Lines
Emirates
EVA Air
Hahn Air Systems
Jetblue Airways
Malaysia Airlines
Qatar Airways
Thai Airways International
Thai VietJet Air
Thai AirAsia
Spring Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Vietnam Airlines

Location: Techo International Airport (KTI) is located approximately 20 to 30 km south of Phnom Penh, in Kandal and Takeo provinces. This replaces the old Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), located about 7 km west of the city centre. The new airport is connected to the city via the newly built Hun Sen Boulevard highway.

Airport transfers 

There are two main options for transfers.

Airport Express Bus: A new bus service, operated by the Phnom Penh City Bus Authority, started on 9 September  2025. It operates daily from 0530 to 2330 on two direct routes between the airport and the city centre. 

Private Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services: These services are also available. An internet search shows a range of prices for private taxi transfers, with one-way fares to the city centre ranging from as low as USD10 to USD38, depending on the service provider, vehicle type, and drop-off point. Some transfers are listed at a flat rate of USD30. The travel time is between 40 minutes and one hour and 10 minutes, depending on traffic.

Etihad flies direct to Phnom Penh

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 10 September 2025: Etihad Airways will launch direct flights from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Phnom Penh, Cambodia (KTI) starting on 6 October, part of an expansion project that also highlights new services to Medan, Indonesia and Krabi, Thailand. 

Etihad will be the first airline to offer direct flights on the Abu Dhabi – Phnom Penh route, using an A321neo configured with 184 seats (three classes: economy, business, and first). Flight time will be seven hours and 10 minutes.

Photo credit: Etihad Airways. Lake Toba, Medan, Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Krabi, South Thailand.

The pre-launch timetable schedules the first service departing Abu Dhabi on 6 October, with four flights weekly, scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Round-trip flights start at AED1,835.

Abu Dhabi – Phnom Penh (KTI) flight schedule

Meanwhile, the airline is set to commence two new direct routes from its home base, Abu Dhabi, to two destinations in Southeast Asia — Medan, Indonesia and Krabi, Thailand.

Medan (KNO): Starting 2 October, the airline will fly direct from Abu Dhabi to Medan, North Sumatra’s gateway, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and close to the spectacular Lake Toba. Three flights weekly — Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flight time: seven hours. Airport: Kuala Namu (KNO).

Krabi (KBV): Starting 9 October, the airline flies direct from Abu Dhabi to the southern Thailand beach destination. Daily flights. (Flight time: six hours and 50 minutes.

Qatar tweaks China Southern codeshares

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DOHA, Qatar, 9 September 2025: Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines have extended their codeshare partnership and increased flights between Doha and Beijing following the Golden Week holiday period in China that runs from 1 to 8 October.

Starting 16 October 2025, Qatar Airways will codeshare on China Southern’s three weekly direct flights between Beijing Daxing and Doha. 

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

Similarly, China Southern will be expanding its “CZ” code on Qatar Airways-operated flights beyond Doha to 15 destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, including Amman, Athens, Barcelona, Cairo, Dar es Salaam, Madrid, and Munich.

Qatar Airways has already placed its code on China Southern-operated flights between Guangzhou and Doha since April 2024. Building on the existing codeshares from Guangzhou and Beijing Daxing, China Southern will extend its code to flights between Doha and four major Chinese cities — Chengdu Tianfu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai — subject to approval from the Chinese government.

Beijing Daxing marks the second Chinese gateway to be served with non-stop flights operated by China Southern Airlines. Beijing also connects with Doha through Qatar Airways’ daily flight, along with Xiamen Airlines’ daily flight.

With this frequency increase and codeshare expansion, Qatar Airways and its two strategic partners, China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines, will now offer 64 weekly flights across eight gateways in Greater China. 

World’s poultry vets gather in Kuching

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 9 September 2025: For the first time in its history, the prestigious 23rd World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress (WVPAC 2025) will be hosted in Malaysia, with Kuching officially named as the nation’s inaugural host city.

The global congress, themed “Sustainable Healthy Poultry for a Healthier World”, will take place from 6 to 10 October 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

The Hon Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Anak Utom (centre) with conference and agency representatives at the WVPAC 2025 press conference.

As the poultry industry grapples with critical challenges — including disease control, food safety, sustainability, and animal welfare — WVPAC 2025 will serve as a first-class platform to share cutting-edge research and solutions, and best practices to ensure the resilience of global poultry production.

The congress is set to attract over 1,500 delegates from more than 50 countries, including 19 internationally renowned speakers, alongside an exhibition showcasing the latest innovations, products, and services in poultry health and production.

“Sarawak is determined to become more self-reliant and competitive in food supply, and build a resilient food system for the people, while promoting sustainable poultry farming practices,” stated The Hon. Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Anak Utom, Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Sarawak, at a press conference held on Monday. “WVPAC 2025 is expected to generate over RM9.8 million in total economic impact for Sarawak, but its true legacy will be the exchange of ideas, forging of partnerships, and advancement of a more resilient and sustainable food system for future generations.”

“WVPAC 2025 is an opportunity to build local capacity in veterinary poultry medicine and contribute towards sustainable food systems and improved poultry health management”, expressed Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, Director General, Department of Veterinary Services, Sarawak. “Animal health plays a key role in a robust system, so we gladly extend our support to WVPA Malaysia’s mission in making a positive contribution.”

The Hon Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Anak Utom with Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahman Omar at Monday’s press conference.

“Food security and sustainable agriculture are not only government and community priorities, but also align with BESarawak’s mission to drive legacies from business events that benefit society and future generations,” said Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak. “We welcome more associations to come forward and bid for more high-impact, high-value event opportunities.”

“The World Veterinary Poultry Association Malaysia aims to make a positive impact on the poultry industry through the exchange of knowledge and experience in business events,” said Prof Dr Abdul Rahman Omar, Organising Chairman of the WVPAC 2025 and President of WVPA Malaysia. “It is truly an achievement for us and our partners to win the bid and position Sarawak as a global scientific hub, particularly for food security and veterinary science.”

The World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress 2025 is organised by the World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA) Malaysia and supported by: the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak (MFICORD), Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).

For more information on WVPAC 2025, the world’s leading congress on poultry health and production, and to register, visit Registration – 23rd World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress.

For more information on events in Sarawak, visit: Business Events Sarawak

Sarawak rolls out triple showcase

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LONDON, 9 September 2025: Travellers today seek destinations that balance sustainability, authenticity, and growth — and Sarawak delivers. Here, ancient rainforests meet modern aspirations, and heritage, nature, and community are not only preserved but celebrated. 

As the Gateway to Borneo and a rising force in ASEAN tourism, Sarawak is taking bold steps to connect with the world while staying rooted in its values. 

Sarawak delegates with Encik Sulaiman Suip, Director of Tourism Malaysia UK (third from left), and H.E. Dato’ Zakri Jaafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland (fifth from left), at Celebrasia 2025 in Battersea Power Station, London.

Strengthening its position as the Gateway to Borneo and gearing up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) has taken bold strides in its global and regional tourism push, engaging audiences across three major markets in a single week. 

The first event was at ITB India 2025 in Mumbai (2–4 September), followed by Celebrasia 2025 in London (5–7 September) and the Thai International Travel Fair – North Chapter (5–7 September) in Chiang Mai. 

This strategic triple showcase highlights Sarawak’s unique Indigenous heritage and trade readiness, underscoring its ambition to drive strong visitor growth in 2025 while positioning the state as the actual Gateway to Borneo.  

“In one week, Sarawak engaged audiences across India, the UK, and Thailand, proving our brand resonates regionally and globally. Through the CANFF pillars — Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals — we demonstrated that Sarawak is more than a destination; it is a living experience of authenticity, diversity, and sustainability. These efforts strengthen our global positioning as we move towards Visit Malaysia 2026,” said Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak Tourism Board. 

At ITB India in Mumbai, Sarawak joined over 400 global exhibitors and 8,000 trade visitors,  engaging with Indian agents, operators, and airlines. India remains a high-growth market, and these engagements are expected to accelerate Sarawak’s inclusion in Indian travel packages. 

Fifth from left: Mr. Azamuddin Abdul Razak with Mr. Thanapat Tiyanont of Tourism Malaysia Bangkok and the Sarawak delegates at the Thai International Travel Fair – North Chapter in Chiang Mai.

At the same time, Sarawak’s presence spanned both Europe and ASEAN. In Chiang Mai, Sarawak directly reached Thai consumers through traditional performances, Sape music, and B2B networking with travel agents. As Northern Thailand is a key emerging market, this presence builds on strong momentum and lays the foundation for future Fam Trips, travel partnerships, and media coverage. 

Meanwhile, in London, Sarawak captivated audiences at Celebrasia 2025 with six cultural performers and artisan-led beadwork and basketry workshops, complemented by a vibrant handicraft showcase at Battersea Power Station. The joint showcase with Tourism Malaysia UK and the Sarawak Craft Council highlighted Sarawak’s indigenous heritage and responsible tourism values to a European audience, reinforcing its universal appeal. 

By simultaneously bridging Asia, Europe, and ASEAN, STB has amplified Sarawak’s international visibility. Together, these showcases reaffirm Sarawak’s role as a trade-ready and culturally rich destination, anchoring its mission to become a top choice for global travellers. 

Visit: Sarawak Tourism Board 

About Sarawak Tourism Board  
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is the key promoter for Sarawak and has built a strong track record of global recognition for its innovative campaigns, destination branding, and commitment to sustainability. In 2025, STB’s “Gateway to Borneo” campaign received the PATA Gold Award for Best Destination Marketing  Campaign (Destination Management Organisation – Asia).

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