The newly crowned Miss Vietnam 2024 reflects on her work and life, almost a week after winning the title in Hue.

In response to a question about her feelings in the five days following her win, Linh shared her busy schedule with the two runners-up, traveling extensively and participating in events organized by the committee. Waking up at 4 a.m. for makeup and returning late at night, she manages only three to four hours of sleep each night. Her adventurous spirit and love for new experiences have allowed her to adapt quickly and maintain a positive attitude. She enjoys reading positive comments about herself online and appreciates the affection she receives from people and students wherever she goes. This support motivates her to confidently fulfill her role in the future.

In 2023, after becoming Miss University of Finance - Marketing, Linh experienced a health issue related to her lungs, requiring eight months of treatment. Fortunately, her youth and active lifestyle contributed to a full recovery.

When asked about funding her pageant journey, given that her family only contributed a little over one million dong, Linh explained her resourcefulness. She receives a monthly allowance of six million dong from her parents for accommodation and living expenses, in addition to tuition. She has savings from this allowance and her modeling work. Her older sister also provided support during the competition. Furthermore, borrowing clothes and shoes significantly reduced her expenses. Her family always reassured her, "If you need anything, just tell us, and we'll send it to you." However, she prefers not to ask for money unless absolutely necessary.

Ha Truc Linh's crowning moment. Video: Provided by the organizing committee.

Linh revealed that she borrowed almost all her clothes, bags, and accessories from her sister. Since childhood, they have shared clothes due to their similar size. Her sister, who has a stable job and runs a business, has a good income. Linh rarely buys new items, usually only during Tet (Lunar New Year). She prefers durable items that can be worn repeatedly, rather than expensive ones.

Discussing her family's influence, Linh describes herself as friendly, open, and humorous, although sometimes hesitant to express her personality fully. Her family follows Buddhism, and she has also taken refuge in Buddha, with the Dharma name Quang Truc. Her mother encourages her to follow the path of goodness and maintain a pure heart. Since childhood, she has looked up to her parents, learning from their kindness towards others and their dedication to everything they do.

Linh admires her parents' resilience. Both from different places, they started their lives together in the remote commune of Xuan Lanh, Dong Xuan district, Phu Yen province, building everything from nothing. While not wealthy, they saved enough to provide a good education for their two daughters. She is grateful for their long journey and efforts to ensure a fulfilling life for their children, both materially and spiritually. In addition to teaching at an elementary school, her father runs a motorcycle parts shop and has taught her basic repair skills. Her mother owns a grocery and stationery store, where Linh helped out as a child.

Ha Truc Linh with her parents and relatives on the night of the Miss Vietnam final. Photo: Provided by the subject.

Ha Truc Linh with her parents and relatives on the night of the Miss Vietnam final. Photo: Provided by the subject.

Reflecting on the significance of the Miss Vietnam title, Linh initially viewed the pageant as a positive experience rather than a serious career path. She understands it as a milestone but recognizes that it doesn't define her future. She believes that after winning the crown, each winner needs a direction and a career to pursue. Beauty fades, but knowledge remains. She aspires to become a strong, independent, and confident woman while retaining her gentleness.

Her parents initially suggested a teaching career, but with her entire family, including her older sister, involved in education, she wanted to forge her own path. In university, she chose not to tutor, staying true to her decision. Inheriting artistic talent from her father, Linh draws well. He suggested architecture or fashion design, but she felt she couldn't compete with male peers in architecture. After considering her strengths and weaknesses, she chose marketing, with a strong interest in brand management.

Ha Truc Linh answers the interview question in the final. Video: Provided by the organizing committee.

Regarding her romantic life, Linh shared that her parents initially forbade dating but now ask why she doesn't have a boyfriend. She experienced one brief relationship but isn't currently focused on romance. She feels that 24 hours a day isn't enough to do everything she wants and prioritizes self-improvement. Her ideal partner is taller than her, kind, treats her family and others well, and has a stable job and independent thinking. She doesn't prioritize wealth, aiming to be financially independent herself.

Miss Ha Truc Linh (center) with runner-up Chau Anh (right) and runner-up Van Nhi, at a press conference on the afternoon of 1/7 in Hanoi. Photo: Provided by the organizing committee.

Miss Ha Truc Linh (center) with runner-up Chau Anh (right) and runner-up Van Nhi, at a press conference on the afternoon of 1/7 in Hanoi. Photo: Provided by the organizing committee.

Linh, who once felt insecure about her tan skin and tall, thin frame from growing up by the sea, now embraces her appearance. She has worked on achieving an even skin tone, eats well, and exercises regularly for a balanced physique. Her father also supported her in getting braces for her teeth. She is now content with how she looks.

While acknowledging the desire to enhance beauty, Linh remains open to the possibility of cosmetic surgery in the future. She would consider it if necessary to meet different standards for an international competition.

Ha Truc Linh when crowned Miss Vietnam 2024. Photo: Provided by the organizing committee.

Ha Truc Linh when crowned Miss Vietnam 2024. Photo: Provided by the organizing committee.

For the future, Linh plans to engage in charitable and community activities. Growing up in an area with many ethnic minorities and with parents working in remote schools, she often helped classmates with their studies and shared her school supplies. During the competition, she received congratulatory messages from ethnic minority friends, making her feel proud and grateful. If she returns to Phu Yen, she hopes to collaborate with local authorities to improve living conditions and development for the community.

21-year-old Ha Truc Linh is a student at the University of Finance - Marketing (TP HCM). She surpassed 21 contestants to win the Miss Vietnam 2024 crown on 27/6 in Hue. A standout candidate throughout the six-month competition, she gained a significant fan base from the beginning, captivating audiences with her radiant face, height of 1.71 m, and measurements of 75-61-94 cm.

The Miss Vietnam 2024 competition, which started late last year, adopted a reality TV format for the first time. The competition, which attracted thousands of applicants in the preliminary round, does not accept contestants who have undergone cosmetic surgery, aiming to find natural, original beauty. The organizers selected the top 60, then top 45, and finally, the 25 finalists.

The event is a beauty contest initiated by Tien Phong newspaper, first held in 1988 as Miss Tien Phong Newspaper Association. The first winner was Bui Bich Phuong from Hanoi. Despite the rise of numerous beauty contests, Miss Vietnam remains a prestigious platform, retaining its unique identity.

Ha Thu