HÀ NỘI — Nguyễn Phương Khánh will represent Việt Nam at the Miss Earth 2018 pageant that will be held from October 7 to November 3 in the Philippines.

Born in the southern province of Bến Tre, 23-year-old Khánh was the second runner-up at the Miss Sea Vietnam Global Beauty Pageant 2018 held on Phú Quốc Island in April.

Khánh is currently a student at the Curtin University Singapore, majoring in marketing. She will graduate early next year.

Previously, she was among contestants entering the selection round in the northern region within the Leading Stars Project that aims to find and train professional models, actors and singers, who will then have the chance to attend entertainment events worldwide. Khánh was also praised for her performance at Miss Earth 2015 by judge Angelia Ong.

“I am interested in Miss Earth due to its humane and educational values. The pageant raises the profile of the planet’s serious environmental issues, helping contestants and viewers learn about environmental protection, which also means protecting themselves and their families,” Khánh explained.

“Despite being a beauty pageant, it aims to contribute to the community and honour women for their knowledge and virtue. After years of watching the contest, I have seen its positive influence on my life; therefore, I have nurtured the ambition of participating in the Miss Earth. I want to raise my own voice, representing Việt Nam, about the environmental issues I have been concerned about in recent years,” she added.

Miss Earth is one of the most prestigious beauty contests in the world, together with Miss World, Miss Universe and Miss International. This year, the pageant will see the participation of 94 contestants from around the world. Việt Nam’s representative last year, Hà Thu was among the 16 finalists. — VNS