The organizers announced the top 24 for the Beauty With a Purpose competition at a gala on the evening of 31/8. The six candidates from the Asia and Oceania region, from left, are Liyanaarachchi (Sri Lanka), Asia Rose Simpson (Philippines), Luna Luitel (Nepal), Taanusiya Chetty (Malaysia), Samanzar Sayeed (Bangladesh), and Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc.

During the event, contestants showcased items from their home countries, inviting guests to participate in the auction. All proceeds will be dedicated to charitable activities in Vietnam, as stated by the organizers.

Vietnamese contestant Bao Ngoc presented a mermaid-style evening gown, crafted by designer Nguyen Minh Tuan. Adorned with thousands of crystal beads, the shoulder features were shaped like wings, symbolizing luck and radiance. A businesswoman purchased the gown for 1,500 USD (nearly 40 million VND).

On stage, she had two minutes to present her community project, Gen Zero. The project focuses on empowering youth in climate change response activities. Instead of limiting efforts to tree-planting campaigns, plastic waste reduction, or community outreach, Bao Ngoc aimed to help young people understand policies, engage in dialogue, and connect with domestic and international organizations.

Tanzanian contestant Latricia Ian Sawe brought a necklace adorned with a 0,5-carat, oval Tanzanite set on 925 silver. Tanzanite is a gemstone found at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania, noted for its blue-purple hue. Accompanying the jewelry was a painting depicting Tanzanian nature with giraffes. Miss World Vietnam President Pham Kim Dung (right) purchased the item for 10,000 USD (over 260 million VND).

Venezuelan contestant Mistica Nunez Rujano (right) showcased a necklace crafted by jeweler Yoel Accesorios. The six golden orchids in the design symbolize the six Venezuelan women who have won Miss World, while the blue stones evoke the competition's crown. Her project, Seeds of Life, focuses on preventing child malnutrition in Falcon State, Venezuela. A kindergarten was chosen as a center to provide meals, healthcare, clean water, and nutritional education for parents.

Brazilian contestant Gabriela Botelho, 25, auctioned a set of jewelry.

Josephine Bottger from Denmark presented a pair of ballet shoes, linked to her lifelong passion for dance. The item bore her signature and those of principal dancers from the Royal Danish Ballet. As part of the competition, Josephine Bottger introduced a series of activities supporting pregnant women, disadvantaged families, and children with congenital heart disease.

Miss Bao Ngoc assisted the Chinese contestant in presenting her auction item in English.

Laotian contestant Mongkoutphet Harnsana, 24, brought a handcrafted embroidered scarf from a famous traditional craft village in her homeland to the event.

Many items will be auctioned by contestants in subsequent activities of the competition.

The four regional Beauty With a Purpose winners will secure a spot in the top 40. The overall winner will earn a place in the top 6. The organizers will announce the results on the final stage on 5/9.

After 72 editions, Miss World is being held in Vietnam for the first time, organized by Sen Vang Company in collaboration with the Miss World Organization. The event spans three provinces: Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Khanh Hoa, from 8/8 to 5/9. The final will take place on an outdoor stage, set up on Nha Trang beach within 2/4 Square.

First held in 1951, Miss World is one of the two largest and oldest beauty pageants globally, alongside Miss Universe. The competition celebrates global unity by seeking young women with beauty, education, and impactful community projects.

Tan Cao

Photos, video: Courtesy of the organizers