Doan performs in the Mister International 2008’s traditional costume competition in Taiwan

Twenty-five-year-old Ngo Tien Doan became the first Vietnamese man to win an international beauty contest as he was named Mister International 2008 in Taiwan on Monday.

Speaking via a phone call from Taiwan, Doan said his life dream has come true.

“I don’t know how to express my happiness,” he said.

Doan impressed the judges and audience with a self-designed traditional costume comprising a loincloth, a robe and a crown decorated by gems. He said the piece was inspired from ancient clothing worn by Vietnamese.

The 1.83-meter model also defeated other contestants in the swimsuit category with striking measurements of 99-80-99.

Doan won over the jury during the 10-day pageant with his down-to-earth attitude, fluent English and gentlemanly qualities displayed through various sub-competitions.

A local newswire has reported that in addition to the cash awards, Doan was granted the right to use an apartment in Singapore for one year.

He told the newswire he had been very confident prior to entering the contest as he had received the invitation in May and had plenty of time for proper preparations and training.

Doan has been working as an exclusive model for the Venus Modeling Agency while maintaining his lecturing career at Can Tho University in the Mekong Delta.

He had finished among the top 16 and won the Mister Physique title at last year’s Manhunt International pageant held in the Republic of Korea.

It was at this contest that Doan impressed Mister International’s Chairman Alan Sim, and the latter proceeded to invite him to take part in this year’s pageant.

Lebanon’s Mohamad Chamseddine, China’s Zhang Chao, Croatia’s Mihovil Barun and Vincent Cleuren from the Netherlands finished as the top runners-up in the respective order.

The Mister International, first organized in 2006, is considered one of the most prestigious male beauty contests. The last two events were won by Lebanese Wissam Hanna and Brazilian Alan Martini.

Reported by Da Ly