While some runners-up in beauty contests have not fulfilled their missions to society and the community, some others have been very enthusiastic in social activities, even more outstanding than the winners of the contests.

From the left: The second runner-up of Miss Vietnam 2008 Thuy Van, second runner-up of Miss Vietnam 2000 Ngoc Oanh and Miss Vietnam 2008 Thuy Dung.

Before the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Regulation 87 in January 2009 on organising pageants, various beauty contests of different names were organised frequently. A lot of girls were crowned beauty queens, bearing the public’s hope that they would contribute to society after the crowning ceremony.

Most beauty queens’ lives change after these contests. They become famous and thus, they have to face a lot of seductions. Some who are well-educated and strong can avoid traps of life to reap great success.

Miss Vietnam 1988 Bui Bich Phuong, Miss Vietnam 1990 Nguyen Dieu Hoa, Miss Vietnam 1998 Ngoc Khanh, Miss Vietnam Mai Phuong Thuy 2006 and Miss Vietnam Global 2007 Ngo Phuong Lan are examples of beauty queens who have left good impressions on the public.

However, some beauty queens were brilliant for a short period of time and suddenly disappeared with many questions.

Nguyen Thi Hong Van, Miss Hanoi – Vietnam 2003, disappeared several months after the crowning night. Nobody, not even the organisers of the Miss Hanoi – Vietnam 2003, know where she is and what she is doing.

Miss Vietnam Ethnic 2007 and Miss Jewelry 2007 Luu Thi Van Anh have not participated in social and cultural events in the last two years.

Miss Vietnam 2008 Thuy Dung and Miss Universe Vietnam 2008 Thuy Lam, after some scandals, didn’t make a mark in social activities in the roles of beauty queens.

Some may ask if these beauty queens have fulfilled their missions or not?

Outstanding runners-up

Not only beauty queens, but many runners-up have also abandoned their responsibilities and missions to the community. However, some runners-up have made great efforts to become outstanding and won the hearts of citizens.

The second runner-up of Miss Vietnam 2000 Nguyen Ngoc Oanh is more famous than Miss Vietnam 2000 Phan Thu Ngan for her success as an MC on television and her social activities. In 2008, Ngoc Oanh went to Singapore to study media. Returning home, she has joined many charity programmes. Ngoc Oanh is among a few beauty queens who have not been involved in any scandal.

The second runner-up of Miss Vietnam Universe 2008 Duong Truong Thien Ly is a favourite face of many people not only thanks to her beauty but her efforts in studying. After the contest, many opportunities opened to Ly but she refused in order to return to Saint Mary’s University in the US.

The first runner-up of Miss Jewelry 2007 - Thai Nhu Ngoc, the second runner-up of Miss Vietnam 2008 - Thuy Van, and the first runner-up of Miss Universe Vietnam 2008 - Vo Hoang Yen are also outstanding faces for their success at work and their social activities.

It is hoped that they will continue to take advantage of their crowns to develop their personal careers and to benefit the community.

Son Ha