Vietnamese contestant crowned Miss International 2024

Updated: 14:32, 13/11/2024

Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy, Vietnam’s representative at this year’s Miss International competition, defeated 75 contestants from around the world to win the crown.

Upon hearing her name called as the winner during the final on Tuesday night in Tokyo, Thuy was overcome with emotion and cried. Miss International 2023 Andrea Rubio of Venezuela placed the crown on Thuy’s head amidst cheers from the audience.

Vietnam’s contestant Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy crowned Miss International 2024.

"I’m the first Miss Vietnam coming to Miss International and now I’m the first Miss International from Vietnam," she said after the coronation. "Finally I can prove that I deserve all the love and support from my audience from Vietnam and around the world. Thank you so much."

The titles of first to fourth runners-up were awarded to contestants from Indonesia, Venezuela, Spain, and Bolivia, respectively.

At the beginning of the final night, Thuy competed in the traditional costume segment with a design named "Lua Nang Sen" (Lotus Silk), inspired by traditional Vietnamese weaving and created by designer Bui Cong Thien Bao.

During the evening gown round, she wore a gown by Vietnamese designer Le Thanh Hoa in the traditional Miss International colors of white and pink. The gown featured a sweetheart neckline and a mermaid silhouette, accentuating Thuy’s figure. The highlight was the long train attached to the back, adding an extra touch of elegance.

In the interview section during the final night, Thuy was asked: "What has been the most significant global development that affected your generation’s educational system?"

Thuy chose the rise of the global educational system during the Covid-19 pandemic for her answer.

"During the Covid-19, we had to stay at home and learn online," she said. "So it is a chance for the development of Edtech. And I hope that students will have more chances to explore their opportunities and learn through Edtech."

She added that this aligns with the goal of the fourth goal "quality education" of Sustainable Development Goals, part of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted in 2015.

Edtech, short for Education Technology, refers to the use of technology in education to enhance the learning experience.

Thuy’s mother arrived in Japan on Monday to attend the final and cheer for her daughter. When Thuy advanced to the later stages of the final, her mother cheered and shed tears of joy.

Thuy, 22, won the title of Miss Vietnam 2022. She is currently enrolled at both the University of Foreign Languages under the University of Da Nang and Greenwich University Vietnam.

She has maintained a steady performance in Miss International’s sub-contests. Missosology, a major beauty pageant site, rated her highly since the early rounds, predicting her as a potential winner. Leading up to the final, she also garnered attention from beauty experts for her confidence.

Miss International is one of the top three major global beauty pageants, alongside Miss World and Miss Universe. It was first held in 1960 and is organized annually in Japan.