Sasaki received the first prize of VNĐ4.5 billion (US$193,960). The total value of all six prizes amounted to around VNĐ8 billion.

The competition, announced in April, included 17 contestants from around the world. After the preliminary round, which judged the applicants' capability and experience, six contestants with the best background for urban planning and development were chosen for the final round.

The six winning contestants' concepts proposed different zone planning ideas, facilities and development plans for the eastern city's urban area while ensuring elements for smart cities and innovation, as well as other factors such as facilitating the growth of technologies and certain key industries.

A representative of Sasaki Associates, Inc said the eastern urban area should be designed based on four objectives: attracting more investment and new opportunities while promoting globalisation and maintaining local culture; appealing to a talented workforce from around the world; and adapting to climate change.

Nguyễn Thành Phong, chairman of the city's People's Committee, said that in the future the city would continue to develop the eastern HCM City urban area, focusing on innovation and interactivity, as well as public spaces and start-ups.

Nguyễn Thiện Nhân, secretary of the HCM City Party Committee, urged the city to look at the contestants' planning concepts and combine or alter them to create a final plan for the east side. VNS