The contest, began last year by HCM City Television (HTV), aims to promote friendship among ASEAN member countries, said Huynh Van Nam, general director of HTV.

He also hoped the annual event will make HCM City the gateway for the countries to exchange culture and knowledge.

This year's line-up again includes editors, emcees, reporters, and performers from Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam.

The jury, comprising TV producers and researchers from Vietnam and the Philippines, will select the three best contestants who will then have to field questions.

The pageant will be held at the HTV Theatre and broadcast live on HTV9.

The visitors will be shown around HCM City, the organisers said.