Runner-up Trinh Hong Dang

Childhood in Russia and the journey to rediscover Vietnamese identity

During his childhood in Russia, Hong Dang spent years facing differences in appearance and culture. In an environment where she felt that beauty standards were often associated with white skin, bright eyes and blonde hair, the beauty had a time of low self-esteem and self-absorption from those around her.

She once shared about her feelings of isolation during her school years and how she gradually formed negative thoughts about herself. Those experiences made it take Hong Dang a long time to learn to accept differences.

At the age of 15, Hong Dang was selected to attend a summer camp in Vietnam organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for excellent students of Vietnamese origin from Russia. The trip gave her the opportunity to learn more deeply about the roots, culture and people of Vietnam. Since then, Hong Dang's love for his homeland has grown more and more, becoming an important part of his personal identity.

Education in the US and outstanding achievements

At the age of 17, Hong Dang went to the US to study at Pennsylvania State University, majoring in Real Estate and Financial Risk Analysis. Not only focusing on studying, Hong Dang also actively participates in extracurricular activities and takes on leadership roles in many student organizations:

• Vietnamese Student Association: With about 40 members, the organization is where she shows her attachment to the Vietnamese community and the spirit of returning to her roots.

• Real Estate Association: There are also about 40 members, this is an environment for Hong Dang to hone professional knowledge, expand relationships and develop career orientation.

• Net Impact: Organization focused on sustainable development and social responsibility, with nearly 200 members. Activities here help her pursue her desire to create positive impacts on the community.

During her studies, she also received a leadership scholarship, the Student Sustainability Award of Smeal College of Business for contributions to sustainable development and the Best President Award of Smeal College of Business recognizing her leadership role in student activities.

Journey to Miss Universe Vietnam 2023

Before participating in Miss Universe Vietnam 2023, Hong Dang worked in the financial and culinary fields. However, personal events made her reconsider her life goals, thereby deciding to spend time on the things she really wanted.

Hong Dang had undergone surgery for a tumor in her chest before coming to the competition. This experience became a milestone that made her think more seriously about her health, career choices and unfinished dreams.

Participating in a major beauty competition in Vietnam is a step that requires courage, especially for people who have experienced a long period of lack of confidence in their appearance. Instead of letting past complexes limit herself, Hong Dang chose to step out in public and express herself.

Before the final night, she attracted the attention of a part of the audience and experts thanks to her educational background, communication ability and emotional personal story.

Impression at the final night of Miss Universe Vietnam 2023

The final night of Miss Universe Vietnam 2023 taking place on September 29, 2023 marked an important milestone in Hong Dang's journey. Thanks to winning the audience voting, she had the opportunity to enter the Top 6 and continue to prove herself in the behavioral competition.

Notable points are the bilingual presentation ability, confident demeanor and way of conveying the message of kindness. When asked about the meaning of success, Hong Dang emphasized that success does not only lie in personal achievements, but is also expressed through a kind heart, sharing and the spirit of dedication to everyone.

This viewpoint is consistent with the community activities she pursued during her time studying in the US.

After the competitions, Trinh Thi Hong Dang was named as the 2nd runner-up. The title helped her step out of the scope of beauty pageant watchers, becoming a face sought after and interested by a large audience.