A young Vietnamese man and woman have both been chosen as the winners of a “Vietnam’s Next Top Model” season for the first time since the reality show of U.S. origin was brought to the Southeast Asian country five years ago. Ta Quang Hung, 22, and Nguyen Thi Oanh, 18, were named the victors of “Vietnam’s Next Top Model 2014” in its finale on Saturday night at Military Zone 7 Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City.

This is said to be the first shared win of all the worldwide versions of the modeling show whose original format was bought from the U.S.

Oanh and Hung were considered by the jury to be on a par with each other in strutting on the runway and posing for photos during the final night.

The night also saw three other finalists in the Top 5 shine in their performances.

Though Oanh, who hails from the northern province of Quang Ninh, had quite many opponents among the audiences for her strong personality, she struck the jury for her remarkable transformation from a ‘hillbilly’ girl to a capable contestant with great potentialities for a successful international modeling career.

Oanh was the youngest competitor in the reality show.

Meanwhile, Hung, who comes from the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai, strongly impressed the jury and the viewers with his towering height of 1.9 meters, masculine and angular face, and brawny body.

Ta Quang Hung is seen performing during the January 17, 2015 finale. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The two champions shared the show’s multiple awards, including a cash prize of VND200 million (US$9,321), exclusive working and advertising contracts with BeU Models – Vietnam’s leading modeling agency – and several other companies, and a cover appearance on F Fashion Magazine – a member of world-renowned Fashion TV. Premiering in 2010, “Vietnam’s Next Top Model” began welcoming male contestants alongside female participants in its fourth season in 2013.

The change was made after the 20th season of the original “America’s Next Top Model” show was first opened to male models in February 2013.   The “America’s Next Top Model” reality show was created in 2003.

It has seen localized series being produced in over 20 markets including Australia, Brazil, Germany, Russia, New Zealand, Britain & Ireland, Italy, Greece, Mexico, Korea, and Vietnam.

Nguyen Thi Oanh is pictured catwalking during the "Vietnam's Next Top Model 2014" finale on January 17, 2015. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Top 5 finalists are shown performing during the January 17, 2015 finale. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Nguyen Thi Oanh is seen posing during the photo shoot part of the "Vietnam's Next Top Model 2014" finale on on January 17, 2015. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Ta Quang Hung is seen posing during the photo shoot section during the January 17, 2015 finale. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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