Miss Vietnam International is open to all Vietnamese girls who are from 18 to 27 years old, single, over 1.60m in height, able to speak Vietnamese, have at least a high school diploma and have never gone through plastic or sex-change surgeries.

The contest is attracting the attention of Vietnamese girls all over the world, including those who have won other beauty contests.

Lynda Nguyen from Garden Grove, CA, the US, said: “I read on the Internet some info about the first Miss Vietnam International. I myself want to take part in the contest since I once competed at Miss Vietnam Universe in the US. I’m so proud that Vietnam can now host a large-scale beauty pageant.”

Jennifer Nguyen Vo also from Garden Grove, CA, said she was worried about her Vietnamese ability. "I came to America when I was just 2 years old, so my mother tongue isn’t perfect. I know that Miss Vietnam International must speak Vietnamese very well. Vietnamese beauty queens who couldn’t even speak their first language wouldn’t win audiences’ hearts,” said Jennifer.

“I really want to take part in this contest, so I am practicing singing and speaking in Vietnamese everyday. Only by doing so will I be able to compete against other beautiful girls from Vietnam,” she added. 

Vietnamese girls in Vietnam interested in the contest, on the other hand, are worried about their English ability since they think that because of its scope, Miss Vietnam International requires knowledge of English.

At present, many domestic beauties want to apply but are still searching for some sponsors to help them pay for expenses. Some who have won prizes at beauty contests are afraid they will lose.

Thuy Trang, one of the 5 finalists of Miss Vietnam 2006, said: “I think this contest is very big and interesting so I want to participate. But I’m worried about many things. I know many beautiful and talented Vietnamese girls from all over the world will participate. Though I’m confident, I’m unsure about my chance of winning.”

"If I apply, I will have to learn more about Vietnamese people and culture in order to introduce them to other contestants,” Trang said.

Vo Hoai Giang, from the southern province of Tra Vinh, said: “I’m a country girl so I have many disadvantages in terms of knowledge. If I have a sponsor, I will be more confident.”  

(Source: TN)