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| Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Yen Nhi criticised for poor English and off-topic answers at Miss Grand International 2025 |
Vietnam’s representative at Miss Grand International 2025, Nguyen Thi Yen Nhi, has become a hot topic after her English answers and reaction during the interview round drew criticism from both local fans and global pageant watchers.
The 22-year-old contestant from Dak Lak Province was asked by pageant president Nawat Itsaragrisil a simple question — “What is your hobby in your country?” — during the closed interview session on October 3.
Instead of answering smoothly, Yen Nhi appeared confused, turning to another contestant beside her for help.
Her eventual response didn’t really fit the question, leaving many online viewers puzzled.
Some fans noted that her English fluency seemed weaker than during her national competition earlier this year, while others felt she looked unprepared for an international stage that usually demands quick thinking and confidence.
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Later that evening, Nhi went live on social media to explain what had happened.
She said the interview took place after the talent round, and none of the contestants were told the questions in advance.
Admitting that she “didn’t perform well,” she explained that her English is limited but enough for communication, and that she actually understood the question but was too nervous to give a clear answer.
Miss Grand Vietnam 2025 Nguyen Thi Yen Nhi faces backlash over awkward interview performance https://t.co/jm0XskzaVk#missgrandinternational #MissGrandVietnam pic.twitter.com/kpIJpqzAkc
— tonboriday (@tonboriday) October 11, 2025
“Before going, I didn’t know what the competition was like or what the criteria were,” she said honestly.
“I just wanted to stay as relaxed as possible. I was also one of the youngest contestants.”
Her straightforwardness, however, didn’t stop some netizens from criticising her attitude.
“Researching the competition is the first thing a contestant should do,” one viewer, Hoang Duy, commented.
“Without that, how can she have the confidence and strategy to aim for the crown?”
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On October 4, Yen Nhi issued a formal apology via her social media account, admitting that she might have spoken too fast or off-topic, which caused misunderstanding.
“I apologise and thank everyone for their feedback, guidance, and support,” she wrote, calling the incident “a valuable lesson” and promising to do better in the remaining stages.
However, more drama followed when a clip posted by her roommate, Miss Tanzania, surfaced online.
The video appeared to capture Nhi using casual phrases some thought were inappropriate for a public setting. She hasn’t publicly addressed that clip yet.
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After over a week at the competition, Yen Nhi has yet to impress the judges.
She failed to make the top 15 in the talent round and hasn’t gained much spotlight in preliminary activities.
Many fans noted that she had only two weeks to prepare after being crowned Miss Grand Vietnam 2025 on September 14, which might have limited her training and coaching time.
Despite the criticism, some netizens sympathise with her situation, saying she’s still young and learning.
Yen Nhi is currently a third-year tourism and hospitality student at Van Hien University in Ho Chi Minh City and previously placed in the top 15 at Miss Grand Vietnam 2024.
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Founded in 2013 by Nawat Itsaragrisil, Miss Grand International promotes peace and calls for an end to violence.
The 2025 edition, held in Thailand, features 67 contestants from across the world competing in swimsuit, national costume, and closed-door interview rounds before the grand final on October 18.
Vietnam has a strong history with the pageant — Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien brought home the crown in 2021, and fans were hoping for another strong run this year.
While Yen Nhi’s journey has faced turbulence, she still has time to regain confidence and charm both fans and judges before the final night.