For Ms Vietnam-Universe to land on the top 5 of the 2018 Ms Universe competition surprises no one.
H’Hen Nie already captured the glare of the limelight and the hearts of millions of viewers even before any results of the competition were announced.
Owing to her composed manner and unruffled approach of Ms USA’s racist remarks which specifically mocked her English-speaking skills, she won the adulation of people all over the world. The global audience saw in Ms Vietnam the grace, the poise, and the spunk expected of an international beauty queen, and they loved her for it.
According to a report by Staff Reporter 2 of The Independent Singapore, this beauty queen who came from a place replete with Buddhist pagodas captivated viewers during the pageant’s competition on December 17 when she came out the first candidate from Vietnam to make it to the top 5. She was loved further when she deviated from the classic beauty queen uniform and rocked a pixie cut and a crop-top and pants ensemble.
The video had over 7million views and the interest continues to rise. This fascination in Ms Vietnam multiplied when it was known that she donated the US$10,000 prize she got from the competition to less privileged children so that they can go to school. She likewise did not hide the fact that she worked as a nanny and domestic helper for her to be able to finance her own education and so that she can pursue her dream of becoming a beauty queen.
H’hen is part of the Rade people, a cultural minority in Central Vietnam. She is one of 6 children of farmers, and, as she shared in a video posted by Miss Universe, her parents are still living in their hometown in rural Vietnam.
“From nothing, I am here. You can do it.” This statement was part of Miss Vietnam-Universe’ opening statement after she made it through the Top 20 of the 2018 Miss Universe competition.