FLC's general director Huong Tran Kieu Dung speaks at the press conference. — Photo vietq.vn

VINH PHUC (Biz Hub) — Miss Vietnam Global Heritage 2016 beauty contest will kick off in July 2016 at FLC Samson Beach & Golf Resort, with the top prize amounting to VND500 million (US$ 22,390) in cash.

In addition to recruiting candidates across Viet Nam, Miss Viet Nam Global Heritage will hold preliminary rounds in many countries around the world, especially in Russia, Germany and the United States, which is home to a large number of Vietnamese expatriates. Some 40 per cent of contestants are expected to come from international preliminary rounds and 60 per cent from domestic rounds.

After the qualifying round at FLC Vinh Thinh Resort and FLC Quy Nhon Beach & Golf Resort, some 30–40 contestants will be selected for the final round, which is expected to be held at FLC Samson Beach & Golf Resort, Thanh Hoa Province, from July 1 to July 7, 2016.

The finale is scheduled for July 15, 2016, and will be broadcast live on Channel VTV6 Vietnam Television.

The contest's titles and prizes include the main title, where the winner gets the crown, VND500 million in cash and becomes the brand ambassador of FLC Group for three years; the runner up title, where the winner receives VND150 million and a certificate; and the second runner up title, which comes with VND100 million and a certificate.

In addition, outstanding candidates will be awarded the titles of Miss Photogenic, Miss Talented, Miss o di and Miss Bikini, as well as Miss Fashion, Miss Beautiful Face, Miss Friendly and Miss Charming, with prizes of VND 30 million each.

Exclusively, one of the Top 4 contestants of the Miss Vietnam Global Heritage 2016 will have the opportunity to become the country's representative to compete at the Miss Globe International beauty contest in China in November 2017.

Speaking at a press conference in Vinh Phuc on March 9, Huong Tran Kieu Dung, FLC's general director, said the contest distinguished itself from other beauty pageants by selecting young Vietnamese women who were studying, working and living in Viet Nam or around the world and who possess the treasured virtues of beauty, wisdom, talent and compassion.

Vuong Duy Bin, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the ministry had encouraged companies to initiate and host cultural activities like this pageant to promote the beauty of the body and mind.

The contest is expected to be held every two years. — VNS