Ha Truc Linh appeared to the cheers of the crowd in the auditorium. The Miss Vietnam expressed gratitude for the support of the university and its faculty for enabling her to participate in the pageant. "The students cheered and encouraged me, leading to my victory," Truc Linh said.

On the afternoon of 7/7, hundreds of students welcomed Ha Truc Linh back to campus almost two weeks after her victory. Accompanying the newly crowned Miss Vietnam were first runner-up Chau Anh (right) and second runner-up Van Nhi (left).

Truc Linh is the first student from the University of Finance - Marketing (UFM) to win the 37th Miss Vietnam pageant.

From 2 PM, students lined up in the hall, preparing well-wishes for the beauty queens. "Initially, I didn't think I would advance so far in the competition. Returning to school after many months, I'm touched and a little nervous," she said.

The university's performing arts group prepared several acts. When the song "Proud UFM" (composed by Huy Truc) played, Ha Truc Linh spontaneously joined in on stage. Also participating in the performance was Tran Thi Huyen Co (right), a top 15 finalist in the pageant and a business administration student at the university.

"I memorized the song when I first entered the university; I can sing along as soon as the music plays. The lyrics contain many encouraging words, evoking youth and creativity," Ha Truc Linh shared.

Truc Linh's singing and dancing performance at the event. Video: Tan Cao

Ha Truc Linh, 21, hails from Dak Lak (formerly Phu Yen). She has a bright face, stands 1.71 m tall, and has measurements of 75-61-94 cm. She received strong support from the audience when she won the highest title at the final competition on 27/6 in Hue City.

Truc Linh admitted to being afraid when she first signed up for the competition. However, thanks to her courage, she overcame her limitations. She sent a message to the university students: "We are young, and the journey ahead is still very long. If we don't dare to take the first step, we will never reach the finish line."

Ha Truc Linh took photos with her class. Class president Nguyen Lam Nguyen expressed pride in his friend, mentioning how classmates brought banners and flowers to congratulate Truc Linh.

The top 3 Miss Vietnam contestants discussed student life and their studies. They also talked about their journey in the competition, their experiences, and their future development plans.

Ha Truc Linh talks about her efforts. Video: Tan Cao

She also said that after the finale, she hasn't had much time to meet and talk with her family. When she returns to her hometown, she wants to immediately eat her mother's sour soup with giang leaves, a dish closely associated with her childhood.

Associate Professor Dr. Pham Tien Dat, the university's rector (right), presented a certificate of merit and a scholarship to Ha Truc Linh. He said that during the final competition in Hue, university representatives were present to watch and were overjoyed when Truc Linh was crowned.

UFM representatives expressed pride in having a student crowned Miss Vietnam, coinciding with the university's upcoming 55th anniversary. Dr. Cao Tan Huy, Secretary of the Party Committee of the University of Finance - Marketing, said the university will create favorable conditions for Ha Truc Linh to fulfill her duties as Miss Vietnam.

Ha Truc Linh's parents (left) spoke with the head of the organizing committee, journalist Phung Cong Suong. They traveled from their hometown to Ho Chi Minh City to share the joy with their daughter. Mr. Ha Van Phuc said he still felt the same emotions as the night of the finale when he saw his daughter crowned, and he wants Truc Linh to arrange a visit to her hometown soon to celebrate with the community.

Miss Vietnam 2024 kicked off late last year, marking the first time a reality TV format was used. The competition does not accept contestants who have undergone cosmetic surgery, aiming to find natural, original beauty. In the preliminary round, the program attracted thousands of applicants. The organizers selected the top 60, then the top 45, and finally, a list of 25 girls entered the finale.

The event is a beauty pageant initiated by Tien Phong newspaper, first held in 1988 under the name Miss Tien Phong Newspaper Association. The first to wear the crown was Bui Bich Phuong from Hanoi. Over the years, despite the proliferation of beauty contests, Miss Vietnam is still considered a quality platform that retains its unique identity.

Tan Cao

Photo: Provided by the organizers