LookAtVietnam – The US-based RAAS group, owned by a Vietnamese American, has suddenly withdrawn sponsorship of the pageant.

The signing ceremony between Hoang Kieu and Julia Morley in July 2008.

In July 2008, RAAS’ Chairman Hoang Kieu signed a memorandum of understanding on the organization of the Miss World 2010 pageant in Vietnam with Julia Morley, Miss World Organisation’s Chairwoman. In September 2008 the Government Office approved Khanh Hoa as the pageant host with RAAS support.

Now Khanh Hoa’s Vice-Chair Le Xuan Than reports that on January 28 the province received a fax from RAAS announcing its withdrawal from the pageant. RAAS, therefore, will not be responsible for the $10 million event price tag. If Khanh Hoa still hopes to host the event, it must locate $10 million.

Hoang Kieu and the Miss World 2008 in Vietnam.

The Performance Art Agency and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism have not received the RAAS announcement yet. Thuy Hanh, Elite Vietnam’s representative, responded that Khanh Hoa will have to seek a new sponsor because the Government and province cannot pay such a huge price. Than added that Khanh Hoa officials would meet this week to make a decision.

RAAS did not define its reasons, but many believe the sponsor and the host had differences of opinion.

Readers may recall that in late October 2009, RAAS announced that it would move the event from Khanh Hoa to Tien Giang. Khanh Hoa officials and the Government did not agree to the change.

RAAS Chair Hoang Kieu will return to Vietnam this week to meet with Khanh Hoa officials and the local media.

The Miss World website still reports that the pageant will take place in Vietnam from October 3 to November 6 2010.

VietNamNet/VNE