Nguyễn Huỳnh Kim Duyên will represent Việt Nam at Miss Universe 2021 to be held in Israel in December. Photo vietnamplus.vn

HÀ NỘI — Nguyễn Huỳnh Kim Duyên, who will represent Việt Nam at Miss Universe 2021, is preparing for the contest to be held in Israel in December.

Duyên said she has kept practising after winning the runner-up title at Việt Nam Universe 2019, as she wants to be ready for the big event. 

Speaking to Radio the Voice of Việt Nam online newspaper vov.vn, the Vietnamese candidate said she has worked on bodybuilding, speaking in English, and other skills.

She hopes to beat the remarkable achievements of previous Vietnamese representatives such as top 5 at Miss Universe 2018 H'Hen Niê, and top 21 at Miss Universe 2020 Nguyễn Trần Khánh Vân.

Originally from the southern city of Cần Thơ, Duyên was the first runner-up at Miss Universe Vietnam 2019 – the national competition which selects contestants to compete at the Miss Universe pageant.

Talking about her own strengths, Duyên thinks she is good in connecting with people, which means that she is very open and "easy to get to know and get along with".

Kim Duyên, the first runner-up at Miss Universe Vietnam 2019. Photo laodong.vn

The Israeli Ministry of Tourism made the announcement last week, noting that this year would mark their first time hosting a Miss Universe pageant.

The 70th edition of the pageant will be held in the resort city of Eliat in Israel this December and will be aired around the world.

It is attracting the participation of approximately 100 contestants. 

Israel has been on the shortlist of host countries for a number of years due to its rich history, beautiful landscapes, myriad of cultures and appeal as a global tourist destination, Miss Universe Organisation President Paula Shugart said in a statement.

The 2020 global competition was postponed to May 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mexico's Andrea Meza was crowned Miss Universe 2020. 

Nguyễn Trần Khánh Vân, who was crowned Miss Universe Việt Nam 2019, represented the country at the event in Florida, the US, and was named among the Top 21 for receiving the highest number of votes from fans.
Miss Universe Việt Nam began in 2008 and is organised every two years. —VNS