The spiritual and intellectual beauty of talented Vietnamese women will be honoured at the Miss Vietnam 2016 pageant, which was launched at a press conference held in Ho Chi Minh City on March 15.

Miss Vietnam 2014 Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen (centre) and two runners-up at the press conference.

The final round is slated for August 27 in Ho Chi Minh City, with preliminary and semi-final rounds to be held in July.

Miss Vietnam 2016 will be crowned and presented with 500 million VND (22,500 USD) while the first and second runners-up will recieve 300 million VND (13,500 USD) and 200 million VND (9,000 USD).

There are also many traditional sub-awards, such as Miss Talent, Miss Beach, Miss Ao Dai, Miss Beautiful Face, Most Voted Miss, Miss Party Dress and Miss Beautiful Hair. This year's pageant also honours Miss Humanity.

According to the organising board, each of the 40 contestants chosen for the finale will be in charge of a charity project. Their activities will be broadcast on numerous TV channels for the public to watch.

Initiated in 1988 by Tien Phong newspaper, the biennial event draws great attention from society.

In addition to improving young women’s role in national development, the contest also creates opportunities to promote Vietnam’s cultural potentials, traditions and history as well as the country’s image and people among international friends during the integration process.

Misses Vietnam at the press conference:

Miss Vietnam 2012 Dang Thu Thao and Miss Vietnam 2006 Mai Phuong Thuy.           From the left: First runner-up Huyen My, Miss Vietnam 2014 Ky Duyen and second runner-up Diem Trang.

Miss Vietnam 2010 Ngoc Han, Miss Vietnam 1992 Ha Kieu Anh and Miss Vietnam 2008 Thuy Dung.

VNA/VNE