The 2013 Vietnam’s Next Top Model’s will be broadcast on TV next month, featuring the competition of 18 top finalists including 9 male and 9 female contestants chosen on September 9.

This is the first year the contest has welcomed male contestants, besides female participants like previous years. The change was made after the 20th season of the original America’s Next Top Model opened to female models this February. This is the first season of America's Next Top Model to feature male contestants.

With its audition round kicked off in August, this season attracted 1,200 participants, the highest number of contestants so far.

Fashion designer Do Manh Cuong and makeup specialist Nam Trung, previous season’s judges, stay on the jury this year. The board has welcomed two new judges, supermodel Thanh Hang, and famed Australian catwalk coach Adam Williams.

The winner will receive a prize of up to VND2 billion (US$95,080). The top candidates will also have chances to get trained in Paris.

2013 Vietnam’s Next Top Model will be on air at 8pm every Sunday on VTV3, starting from October 6.

The original America’s Next Top Model reality show was created in 2003 and hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks. It has seen localized series being produced in over 20 markets including Australia, Brazil, Germany, Russia, New Zealand, Britain & Ireland, Italy, Greece, Mexico, Korean and Vietnam.