The beauty shared her feelings upon receiving the sash and crown to become Vietnam's contestant at Miss Charm 2025, on the afternoon of 25/11 in TP HCM. *Video: Tan Cao*

Mai Ngo has been officially announced as Vietnam's representative at Miss Charm 2025, receiving her sash and crown on 25/11 in TP HCM. The 30-year-old beauty opened up about her journey, revealing that she was once criticized by some viewers for her appearance with comments like "What kind of model is so fat?" or "Her face isn't pretty enough to compete in a beauty pageant." These remarks, especially after each setback, often left Mai Ngo disheartened.

However, with encouragement from others and a deeper understanding of herself, Mai Ngo gradually rebuilt her spirit. She adopted a healthy lifestyle, focusing on diet and exercise to improve her physique. Her confidence soared after winning the runner-up title at Miss Grand Vietnam in 2022. Standing 1,73 m tall with measurements of 86-67-100 cm, Mai Ngo now views past criticism not with sadness, but with gratitude for developing her resilience. "I no longer fear anything," she affirmed, "Self-belief is what I prioritize to stay firm on my path and future direction."

Mai Ngo with Miss Charm 2024 Rashmita Rasindran at the event. *Photo: Kieng Can*

Fellow beauty queens Nhu Van, Bui Quynh Hoa, and singer Phuong Vy all commend Mai Ngo's fierce determination. Nhu Van expressed, "I believe hard work and persistence have helped Mai achieve what she desires now." For the past two months, Mai Ngo has intensely prepared for Miss Charm, dedicating time to physical training, honing her catwalk skills, public speaking, and foreign language abilities. She views this as her final attempt at a beauty pageant and is investing significant effort and resources to deliver her best performance, aiming for a high goal and leaving no room for regret.

Competing on home ground, Mai Ngo plans to introduce the beauty of Vietnamese culture and its people to international friends. She is producing videos showcasing Vietnamese egg coffee and the art of water puppetry, filmed in various provinces and cities. She also stated she will wear the ao dai during competition activities.

Mai Ngo stated she will wear the ao dai in competition activities.

Mai Ngo, whose real name is Ngo Thi Quynh Mai, is 30 years old and hails from TP HCM. She began her career as a dancer before transitioning to modeling. She garnered attention as the runner-up on The New Mentor 2023, mentored by Thanh Hang. Her diverse career also includes acting roles in the feature film Thach Thao (directed by Mai The Hiep) and the web series Ke San Tin. She has pursued music through several rap competitions, releasing MVs such as Call Me Later, Hong Co Dau, and Doan Xem.

Miss Charm, an international beauty pageant founded by Vietnamese individuals and announced in 2019, aims to promote culture, tourism, and educational initiatives. This year's competition will begin in late November, with nearly 50 global contestants expected to participate. The final, where reigning queen Rashmita Rasindran of Malaysia will crown her successor, is scheduled for December in TP HCM. In 2024, Vietnamese beauty queen Quynh Nga competed and secured the 2nd runner-up position.

*By Tan Cao*

*Photos: Kieng Can*