Surpassing more than 70 contestants from around the world, the beauty from Da Nang, Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy, made history by becoming the first Vietnamese representative to win the title of Miss International 2024 in November.

Miss International 2024 Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy. Photo: Panda Duong Quoc Man

During her meaningful "homecoming" trip, Miss Thanh Thuy had a conversation with Da Nang Newspaper, sharing her emotions upon being crowned at the international beauty pageant and reminiscing about special memories connected to her hometown.

What were your emotions when your name was announced as Miss International 2024?

The moment the words "Viet Nam" were called out last, my emotions were overwhelming. I could not think of anything else—just that the happiness and pride were immense. In the heart of Tokyo (Japan), among so many beautiful representatives from all over the world, the words "Viet Nam", my homeland, were proudly echoed on the international stage.

Right after receiving the crown, I immediately looked for my family to share this joy with them. My family and loved ones have always been my motivation and goal, pushing me forward every day to achieve great things. I knew at that moment that the pride was not only mine but also that of my family and my homeland, Viet Nam.

How did it feel to bring the beauty and spirit of Viet Nam to the international stage? How has this honour and responsibility changed your perception of yourself?

When I learned that I would be representing Viet Nam at Miss International 2024, I put all my effort into preparing and improving myself in the hope of presenting the image of a confident, sincere Vietnamese woman who lives life to the fullest and is full of energy in all activities.

The title of Miss International 2024 is not only an honour but also a profound reminder of my responsibility—to become a cultural bridge, conveying the best values of Viet Nam to international friends.

I understand that I must live and work in a way that truly deserves this prestigious title, continuously striving and improving myself to keep spreading the image of resilient, friendly, and culturally rich Vietnamese people to the world.

Born and raised in Da Nang, what core values has your hometown instilled in you?

I am incredibly proud to have been born and raised in Da Nang, a city known as one of the most liveable places in Viet Nam. My parents always taught me to live humbly and kindly towards those around me.

As a child of Central Viet Nam, I always remember that no matter who I become or how much success I achieve, humility and honesty are essential virtues that must always be upheld.

If you could invite international friends to explore your hometown, where would you take them? What unique cultural and culinary experiences would you like to share to introduce Da Nang’s culture?

In the introduction video I sent to Miss International 2024, I proudly presented many of the special destinations and signature dishes of Da Nang and Quang Nam. If I had the chance to invite international friends to explore my hometown, I would first introduce them to mi Quang. This dish is not only delicious but also an indispensable part of Da Nang’s culinary culture, appearing in many famous literary works and folk verses.

As for places to visit, Dragon Bridge, a modern symbol of Da Nang with its unique design, is a must-see. And, of course, iconic locations such as Marble Mountains, Son Tra Peninsula, and the beautiful beaches cannot be overlooked.

To truly experience the beauty of Da Nang, I believe it takes several days to fully appreciate the uniqueness of this land. As the Tourism Ambassador of Da Nang, I hope to spread the beauty of my hometown to international friends, helping them understand more about the people, culture, and wonderful values of Da Nang.

What are some of your most cherished images and memories of Da Nang? Is there a moment that always makes you emotional whenever you recall it?

It is hard to list all the beautiful memories I have with Da Nang, but one of the most unforgettable moments was my recent "homecoming." When I returned to Da Nang after my journey at Miss International 2024, I was overwhelmed by the love, care, and congratulations from city leaders, my family, my university, and everyone in my hometown. This trip was not just a journey but a meaningful connection, allowing me to feel even more deeply my bond with my homeland.

That was not just a moment of pride but also a great source of motivation, urging me to keep striving, growing, and contributing more. That love always reminds me that my homeland is the foundation of all my successes.

Among traditional Tet customs, what do you love and want to preserve the most?

Every Tet, I return home to help my parents prepare for the celebration, visit the spring market, cleaning and decorating the house, and preparing the ancestral offering meal. The moment when the family gathers, sharing stories, and expressing joy and happiness is what I cherish and want to preserve them

This year, I will definitely celebrate Tet in Da Nang. No matter how busy I am, I will always try to arrange my work to spend this special time with my parents. Tet is a deeply meaningful occasion for my family and me. No matter how far I go or who I become, when I return home, I am still my parents' little daughter, still longing for the warm, reunited atmosphere of family. Sitting together, openly sharing stories from the past year, enjoying the Tet meal, and feeling the bond of family, such simple moments are incredibly precious. These moments help me deeply appreciate the value of family love and the peaceful simplicity of my homeland.

In your opinion, how can the young generation of Da Nang balance personal development while preserving and promoting their hometown’s cultural beauty? What advice do you have for young people searching for direction?

I believe young people need to listen to themselves more, dare to face challenges, and embrace new experiences. Personally, I see that today’s young generation is highly dynamic and creative. I hope they can maintain that abundant energy and confidently write their own stories. While continuously exploring and learning, they should also uphold core values and respect and promote their hometown’s cultural heritage.

From a university student to Miss International, how have you changed and grown through each milestone?

With each milestone, I have become more mature in my thinking and have developed a more comprehensive and profound perspective on life. From an innocent young woman in my twenties to holding prestigious titles like Miss Viet Nam 2022 and Miss International 2024, I have become increasingly aware of my responsibilities to society and the community.

This journey has undoubtedly included challenges, but the lessons from my family have always reminded me that humility and a spirit of learning are the solid foundations that help me overcome any difficulties and continue spreading Viet Nam’s beautiful values to the world.

If you could send a message to the world representing the beauty, intelligence, and culture of Vietnam, what would you say?

Vietnamese people are constantly striving, always friendly, and possess a strong spirit of unity. Viet Nam is a country rich in traditions, preserving its cultural identity while also being modern, open, and ever-evolving.

Thank you for your sincere sharing, Thuy!

Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy was born in 2002 and was crowned Miss Viet Nam 2022. She is currently studying at the University of Foreign Language Studies -University of Da Nang and Greenwich Viet Nam University. She has received several awards, including Second Prize in City-Level Literature in 2016, a Silver Medal in the Young Fashion competition at the Da Nang Spring Festival in 2019, and the title of Miss University of Foreign Language Studies in 2021. The newly crowned Miss International 2024 has also earned an entrance scholarship to the University of Foreign Language Studies and was one of 36 students selected for a study exchange at Ubon Ratchathani University, Thailand.

Reporting by TRAM ANH - Translating by TRUC VY