On the afternoon of 13/10, former beauty queen Nguyen Thi Huyen successfully defended her doctoral thesis at the Academy of Journalism and Communication, concluding three years of intensive research. Associate Professor, Doctor Truong Giang, Vice Director of the academy, initially harbored concerns regarding Nguyen Thi Huyen's capacity to balance her public life with the demands of academic research. Truong Giang questioned whether the former beauty queen possessed the requisite time, focus, and perseverance essential for rigorous scientific study.
From the outset, Truong Giang and her co-supervisor established stringent requirements for the doctoral candidate. According to Truong Giang, academic endeavors offer no preferential treatment based on titles or public recognition. However, through their collaborative work and study, her perception of Nguyen Thi Huyen gradually evolved. Truong Giang now describes Nguyen Thi Huyen as serious, diligent, proactive, and remarkably resilient.
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Miss Nguyen Thi Huyen with Associate Professor, Doctor Truong Giang (right). Photo: Contributed by subject |
"The title of beauty queen marks a beautiful milestone of youth, while a doctorate is the culmination of a persistent journey of study, research, and scientific endeavor," Truong Giang wrote in a congratulatory message on her personal page. She added, "As Huyen confided during her defense ceremony, 'A doctorate is not the final destination, but the beginning of a greater responsibility to science and to myself.'"
For many years, Nguyen Thi Huyen has concentrated on her work at the Academy of Journalism and Communication, engaging in fewer artistic activities. Last year, while serving as a judge for Miss Vietnam 2024, she stated that she has no desire for the glamor of showbiz and never considered leveraging her crown or fame for financial gain. She currently resides in Hanoi with her three daughters, where she enjoys housework and cooking in her free time.
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Miss Nguyen Thi Huyen judging Miss Vietnam 2024 last March. Photo: Organizers provided |
Born in 1985 into a civil servant family in Hai Phong, Nguyen Thi Huyen was crowned Miss Vietnam 2004 at age 19. In the same year, she achieved a top 15 placement at Miss World. In 2007, she pursued journalism studies at Middlesex University in the UK, graduating with distinction after two years.
Regarding her personal life, she married a fellow international student while in the UK and had one daughter. She divorced in 2009, subsequently returning to Vietnam to continue her studies and career. The former beauty queen later had two more daughters, choosing to keep details about them private.
Her past professional engagements include acting roles in the feature film "Thoi Xa Vang" and the television series "Lau Dai Tinh Ai." She also served as an editor and television host for a period.
By Ha Thu
