The two-hour competition will see beautiful and talented women representing their countries on stage as they do throughout as national title holders. Last year's pageant, held in Panama, saw Amelia Vega of Dominican Republic being crowned as Miss Universe in front of an international television audience.

The show will be hosted by celebrity host Billy Bush and model turned actress Daisy Fuentes will guide the audience through two hours of fun-filled exciting entertainment, says a press release.

During the show a panel of renowned judges will choose semi-finalists and finalists based on the women's beauty, grace, intelligence and poise.

The favourites for the title of this year are Kathrine Soerland (Norway), Oleksandra Nikolayenko (Ukraine), Shandi Finnessey (USA), and Ana Karina Anez Delgado (Venezuela).

While the Asian hopes for the year rests with our own Tanushree Dutta (Miss India 2004), Meng Zhang (China), Eri Machimoto (Japan), Yoon-Young Choi (Korea), Andrea Fonseka (Malaysia), Maricar Balagtas (Philippines), Sandy Chua (Singapore), Janie Hsieh (Chinese Taipei), Morakott Aimee Kittisara (Thailand), and Hoang Ngoc (Vietnam).

The event will be telecast again at 9.00 p.m primetime on 2 June on Star World.