More than 100 women from all over the northern region are expected to gather at the Intercontinental Hotel in Westlake on September 18 for the launch of the preliminary rounds of the Miss Ocean beauty contest.

The executive board announced that this year’s preliminary rounds will start with interview, poise/personality, gown, swimsuit and on-stage question and answer sessions.

The four-member jury panel is comprised of designer Vo Viet Chung, former Miss Vietnam 1994 Thu Thuy, former Miss Vietnam World 2007 Ngo Phuong Lan and businesswoman Vu Thuy Nga.

The final rounds will to take place October 11-28 while the coronation will transpire at the Huyen Thoai Lang Chai Theatre on October 28 in Mui Ne in the central coastal city of Phan Thiet in Binh Thuan Province.

Designer Vo Viet Chung, founder of the contest, said Vietnam is facing severe pollution. He hopes the beauty contest will raise the country’s awareness on the importance of environmental protection.

The qualification rounds in the south will begin in Ho Chi Minh City on September 22.

VOV