Beauty queen promotes peace, happiness

Miss Viet Nam 2010 Dang Thi Ngoc Han, 21, talks to Minh Thu about her life, future plans and dreams for mankind.

Inner Sanctum: How did your life change after being crowned Miss Viet Nam?

I feel happy and proud, the emotions that anyone in my position would feel. Sometimes I think I am dreaming.

When I go out, many people recognise me. They smile at me. That makes me happy because I'm known and loved. I have a huge number of teenage fans.

Inner Sanctum: What do you think are the attributes that helped sway the jury?

I think I have a pure Vietnamese face and friendly smile. Many people remark that I'm approachable, easy and sincere.

On the other hand, I didn't target the crown. I joined the contest to exchange with other candidates, learn, have fun and test my ability. I didn't try to highlight myself. I felt at ease and confident.

Inner Sanctum: If you are selected to represent Viet Nam at international events, what will you do to express Vietnamese beauty?

I will show our international friends the image of a modern, active and confident Vietnamese woman, who still maintains the traditional characteristics of tolerance and gentleness.

I will improve myself and learn more. I intend to join training courses in communication and English to be more confident.

Inner Sanctum: You have worked as a model and you are studying fashion design at university. You also said you are interested in journalism. So what is your favourite job?

I love everything related to fashion. If I work in the field of journalism, I will write about fashion and beauty to help the younger generation keep up with new trends and have the right orientation towards beauty.

Whether I front a TV show or become a businesswoman – whatever I do, it will be related to fashion.

Inner Sanctum: What's your opinion about the attributes of the ideal woman?

In the traditional opinion of the Vietnamese, an ideal woman is recognised through the way she manages housework, her appearance, speech and behaviour. This is always true, but nowadays a modern woman is also involved in social works.

Inner Sanctum: What are your other interests?

I love reading books. When I have a good book I will spend all day reading until the last page. I just finished reading The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough in three days.

Inner Sanctum: If you were granted three wishes, what would they be?

May I have another 100 wishes? I'm just kidding. Firstly, I would wish that all children in the world could live happily with their families, to play, study and enjoy the best things. Then, I would wish that women have equality in society. Many of them are still treated unfairly. Finally, this may be hard to make come true, but I wish all people in the world would live in peace. Much loss and misery results from war.

Inner Sanctum: What's the most important thing for you?

My family is most important. When I meet trouble in life, I always feel peaceful with my family. My parents and brother always open their arms to me.

Inner Sanctum: What do you do when you are happy, angry or upset?

When I'm happy I will share with my family and friends in different ways. When I feel upset, I just want to be alone or to talk with people who are reliable and good listeners. I often wander along streets, looking at other people and thinking about my problems.

When I get angry, I waste my money on calling my close friends, talk to them, let them get angry with me, and help me find the patience to solve my troubles.

Inner Sanctum: Would you tell us something about your personal plans?

Well, I don't have any plans for my private life. It's too soon to think about marriage. I believe in destiny.

Now I want to establish a fund named Wing Vietnamese Dreams, to help young people's dreams become true. Many young people nurture dreams but don't have the opportunity to bring them to reality. I will help them with money or my position. I have received much encouragement from my friends in this matter. Although no organisations have registered to join, I believe that when the fund is set up, it will be supported. — VNS