Nguyen Thi Huyen has made history as the first Miss Vietnam to earn a doctoral degree, successfully defending her journalism thesis on 13/10. For the beauty queen, this achievement marks not an end but a new beginning, opening avenues for further research. She plans to continue exploring topics of interest.

Prior to Nguyen Thi Huyen's accomplishment, other Miss Vietnam titleholders pursued advanced education. Miss Bui Bich Phuong, crowned in 1988, earned a master's degree in business administration from Seoul National University, South Korea. Miss Nguyen Dieu Hoa, crowned in 1990, holds a master's degree in business administration from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand.

Nguyen Thi Huyen at her doctoral thesis defense on the afternoon of 13/10 in Hanoi.

Nguyen Thi Huyen currently works at the Institute of Research and Communication, part of the Academy of Journalism and Communication. Annually, she actively participates in research projects, completes required scientific works, and fulfills her teaching duties. She teaches specialized courses in media economics and communication economics. During her doctoral studies, her teaching load was reduced, allowing her to concentrate on her academic pursuits and research.

Nguyen Thi Huyen was a literature student at Thai Phien High School, a reputable institution in Hai Phong. After high school, she chose journalism, believing it to be a dynamic field offering opportunities to transition into other areas. With both parents being civil servants and no connections to secure a job for her, she aimed to forge her own path.

In 2004, six months after being crowned Miss Vietnam, Nguyen Thi Huyen received a journalism scholarship from Middlesex University, London, UK. She deferred her enrollment at the Academy of Journalism and Communication and moved to England for her bachelor's program. In 2009, she graduated with honors in journalism and returned to Vietnam.

The beauty queen then worked as a television editor before establishing a media company that distributed international films in Vietnam. She sought to challenge herself in this field to gain experience but gradually realized she had lost interest.

In 2012, Nguyen Thi Huyen met Doctor Nguyen Thi Quy Phuong, then Deputy Director of the Institute of Research and Communication at the Academy of Journalism and Communication. Through their conversations, she shared her concerns about the journalism industry with Doctor Phuong, who encouraged her to pursue research. Nguyen Thi Huyen decided to close her company and return to academia.

Miss Nguyen Thi Huyen while judging Miss Vietnam 2024 in March last year. Photo: Organizing Committee

Initially, Nguyen Thi Huyen intended to pursue a master's degree but was advised by the university to enroll in a doctoral program via an integrated pathway. This meant she would fulfill the academic requirements for both degrees but would present a doctoral research topic instead of defending a master's thesis. However, due to not keeping up with changes in the training timeline, she discovered she had missed the submission deadline and could not continue the program. Subsequently, Nguyen Thi Huyen decided to restart at the master's level, while also selecting a new doctoral research topic that was more relevant to current realities.

Throughout her studies, the beauty queen never lost heart. According to her, scientific research is a time-consuming endeavor, involving everything from sourcing materials and analyzing data to verifying information. Some issues require consideration in various contexts to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion. Therefore, she learned patience, even when results were not as expected.

Nguyen Thi Huyen sings "Million Years Ago" at the gala celebrating the competition's 30th anniversary in Ha Long in 2018. Video: Sen Vang

Nguyen Thi Huyen does not regret her time acting or engaging in artistic activities, as each path provided her with unique experiences. Recognizing her introverted nature, preference for personal space, and close relationships, she chose to commit to research. For her, what matters is not clinging to past glories but understanding what she wants to find the right direction at each stage of life.

The beauty queen fosters a spirit of learning even after leaving formal education. She believes that maintaining a curious mind and being open to new ideas helps individuals gain more knowledge, broader perspectives, and adaptability to change. Knowledge can come from simple things in life, through colleagues, friends, work, and even the process of raising children. Conversely, if one stops acquiring knowledge, they easily miss opportunities for personal growth.

"Learning and accumulating knowledge makes me happy, helps me understand reality better, and sharpens my logical thinking and problem-solving skills in life," she stated.

Miss Nguyen Thi Huyen shortly after being crowned in 2004. Photo: Organizing Committee

Nguyen Thi Huyen also does not believe that everyone must pursue a doctoral degree like her, as each person has their own way of learning. This could involve honing a skill, exploring a favorite field, or gaining experience from daily occurrences.

Nguyen Thi Huyen, born in 1985 to a civil servant family in Hai Phong, was crowned Miss Vietnam 2004 at the age of 19, and placed in the top 15 at Miss World the same year. For many years, Nguyen Thi Huyen has been less active in artistic pursuits. Last year, while judging Miss Vietnam 2024, she stated that she does not crave showbiz fame and never considered using her crown or celebrity for financial gain. She is divorced and currently lives with her three daughters in Hanoi. In her free time, she enjoys housework and cooking.

She previously acted in the feature film Thoi Xa Vang and the series Lau Dai Tinh Ai. Additionally, the beauty queen worked as a television editor and MC.

Ha Thu