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| Singer, Actress, Queen: Nguyen Huong Giang to Represent Vietnam at Miss Universe 2025 |
Vietnam is about to mark a major milestone on the global stage of beauty pageants. Nguyen Huong Giang — singer, actress, TV personality and crowned winner of Miss International Queen 2018 — has officially been named Vietnam’s representative for Miss Universe 2025.
The announcement was made on Wednesday evening by Miss Universe Vietnam, confirming that Giang will compete this November in Thailand.
She becomes not only the country’s first transgender candidate at Miss Universe but also one of the most talked-about contestants of the year.
Unlike the usual set-up where a national competition is held to determine the titleholder, this year’s organisers skipped the pageant route altogether. Instead, Giang was directly appointed.
According to the committee, the decision was based on her blend of beauty, intellect, charisma, and an inspiring life journey.
“We believe she has never stopped challenging herself,” the organisation shared in its statement.
“In every role, Giang shines with inner strength, reflecting the image of a modern Vietnamese woman.”
Originally, Miss Universe Vietnam had planned to run a local contest earlier this year, but the event was cancelled.
With the international deadline of 30 September looming, Giang’s name was locked in as the official delegate.
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Since her 2018 win at Miss International Queen — the world’s leading pageant for transgender women — Giang has been busy shaping a multidimensional career.
She’s released music, taken roles on screen, lit up variety shows, and last year even stepped behind the scenes as a producer for Miss Universe Vietnam itself.
Her selection feels like a full-circle moment, now stepping back into the spotlight to represent her country on one of the most prestigious global stages.
Miss Universe and the Changing Face of Pageantry
The Miss Universe competition, first held in 1952, is broadcast to more than 165 countries and has long been considered the pinnacle of pageantry.
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It has undergone major changes in recent years, putting greater focus on inclusivity and diversity.
Since 2013, transgender women have been eligible to compete, and as of 2023, married women and mothers are also welcome.
The pageant now promotes not just beauty, but also resilience, individuality and healthy lifestyles.
This year marks the 74th edition of Miss Universe, set for November in Thailand, where over 100 contestants are expected to gather. Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig, the reigning queen, will crown her successor.
For Vietnam, Nguyen Huong Giang’s journey represents not only a bold statement about progress in the beauty industry, but also a powerful reminder of representation and self-belief. Pageant watchers across Asia are already buzzing — and Giang looks ready to deliver history on stage.