As many as nine designers from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, India, Malaysia, China, Indonesia and Viet Nam will join the show. Their designs aim to blend the modern with the traditional.

In her 30-item collection, Hanh uses traditional Vietnamese materials such as silk, hand-woven brocade and embroidery which aims to reflect the pure beauty of water.

Hanh said her collection also aims to highlight the need to protect the environment and preserve every nation's traditional values.

Joining the performance will be China's leading professional models along with models from Europe and North and South America.

Actress Ly Nha Ky becomes first ambassador of VN tourism

HA NOI — Actress Ly Nha Ky has been nominated as the first ever ambassador for Viet Nam Tourism by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Ky, whose real name is Tran Thi Thanh Nhan, will take part in activities to advertise and promote tourism in Viet Nam both in and outside of the country.

Her first job will be to encourage people to vote for Ha Long Bay as one of the new seven wonders of the world.

Toyota awards music scholarships to 100 Vietnamese students

HA NOI — The Toyota Viet Nam Foundation (TVF) yesterday granted 100 scholarships, valued at VND300 million (US$15,000), to young Vietnamese music students throughout the country.

Schools involved include the Viet Nam National Academy of Music, the Tay Bac Arts and Culture College, the Viet Bac Arts and Culture College, the HCM Musical College and the Hue Musical College.

"The scholarships are aimed at encouraging young musicians to improve their skills in becoming artists of the future and contributing to Viet Nam's cultural development," said Akito Tachibana, president of the TVF.

The TVF has been awarding the Toyota Scholarship for Vietnamese Music Talent since 2009, benefiting around 290 young music students to date.

Hong accepts invitation to chair Mrs World 2011 contest

HA NOI — President of the Mrs World Organisation David Marmel has invited Mrs Congeniality 2005 Doan Thi Kim Hong to chair the jury of the Mrs World 2011 competition to be held in the US this winter.

Hong said she accepted the invitation with a hope of promoting Vietnamese beauty throughout the world, as well as Viet Nam's image as a country.

The Mrs World 2011 beauty pageant will take place in Orlando, Florida, from December 6-15.

Hong has previously judged the Mrs World 2008 contest in Kaliningrad, Russia, and sat on the deputy organising board of Mrs World 2009 held in Vung Tau, Viet Nam. Earlier this year, she was the first foreign juror of Mrs America 2011. — VNS