HCM CITY — Luma Russo of Brazil was crowned Miss Charm 2023, a Vietnamese-founded beauty contest, at the finale held on February 16 at the Hòa Bình Theatre in HCM City.

Luma Russo from Brazil has become Miss Charm 2023. VNA/VNS Photo

Russo is 1.68m tall with measurements of 89-61-92cm. She beat 37 other contestants to win the contest and will have a year to spread meaningful messages in education and tourism as Miss Charm.

Candidates in the top three were asked to elaborate on their views on life's meaning and purpose during the question-and-answer round.

Russo underlined the freedom one has to reach their full potential.

"If I have to sum it up in one word: freedom," she said.

"Freedom, being able to travel where you want to, be who you want, do what you want, be the woman you are meant to be, follow your dreams....To be able to achieve the knowledge, not only academically but the knowledge of culture, of emotional intelligence, to be able to reach your full potential."

Annabelle Mae McDonnell from the Philippines and Olivia Tan from Indonesia became the first and second runners-up, respectively.

Vietnamese representative Đặng Dương Thanh Thanh Huyền finished in the Top 20.

Miss Charm is the first Vietnamese-founded beauty contest, announced in 2019 with the aim of promoting culture, tourism and educational activities.

Miss Charm 2023 judges include Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova, Miss World 2015 Mireia Lalaguna, Miss International 2012 Ikumi Yoshimatsu, Vietnamese-born beauty Mimi Morris, and model Lan Khuê. VNS