Miss Universe pageant to be held in Vietnam, Pageant : Options

[Ek-ek]

VietNamNet Bridge – Miss Universe 2008 pageant will debut in Vietnam’s central province of Khanh Hoa in less than three months; Dr. Le Xuan Than, Vice Chairman of Khanh Hoa province, head of the organising board of the pageant, said he feels secure about preparations for this international event.




Photo and Interview: Le Xuan Than (middle) in a press conference announcing Vietnam will host the Miss Universe 2008 pageant.

Miss Universe 2008 beauty contest is approaching. What has the organising board done so far?
The Steering Board for Miss Universe 2008 contest was established on March 12, chaired by Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Tien Tho. The board has 15 members who are representatives of Hanoi, HCM City, ministries and agencies.
On the same day, the conference of sponsors was held in HCM City and many businesses pledged to support the event in various forms.
On March 10, representatives of the US-based Miss Universe Organising Board, including Vice Chairperson Rachel Frimer and experts, came to Vietnam to survey some cities like HCM City, Hanoi and Hue and check Vietnam’s preparations. Ms. Frimer highly applauded Vietnam’s efforts in preparing for this event.

As the head of the organising board, what worries you most?
As the head, I have to take care of everything, from receptions, hotels, food security, traffic to infrastructure, etc. We have to handle many things but I believe that everything has been or is being solved.

In a press conference last November, you said, “In the next 3-4 months, the 7,500-seat theatre will be completed.” How is it now?
The construction is underway. Vietnamese architects and US experts are working on this stage. The work is scheduled to be completed on May 21. We feel secure about this work in general.

You paid a visit to China to learn how they organised the Miss World pageant. What are the most impressive things that you saw in the country, which has successfully organised four international beauty contests?
It is very difficult to make a comparison between China and Vietnam. Each country has its own way of organisation. The Miss World pageant is different from the Miss Universe pageant. Moreover, China is very experienced in hosting this event.
I feel that advertising is conducted more widely and strongly in Vietnam. However, the trip benefited us much because we learnt a lot from Chinese organisers.

What are the advantages of Nha Trang as the host of Miss Universe?
Nha Trang has successfully organised many big events, such as the Sea Festival, Miss Vietnam, and Miss Vietnam Global and a part of Miss Earth 2007. But this is the first time Vietnam will have hosted such an international event like the Miss Universe 2008. Selected by the organising board of Miss Universe, Nha Trang will mobilise all of its potential to take advantage of this chance to advertise the country and people of Vietnam.

Could you reveal a little about the itinerary for Miss Universe 2008’s final night?
Organisers are working on a detailed scheme for 30 days of Miss Universe 2008 in Vietnam. The scheme will be submitted to the Performance Art Agency for approval. I can only disclose that the final night of Miss Universe 2008 will start at 9am on July 14. The organising board wants to hold the event in the morning because it will be night time in the US at that time.

(Source: VNE)

[XigonCongchua]

but who will represent Vietnam in this pageant? we didn't have a representative last year

also would they be able to hold Miss Vietnam 2008 pageant when they're so busy organizing Miss Universe?

[asean.asia]

I nominate CongChuaXiXon to represent VN for Miss pageant 2008.

[XigonCongchua]

so bad I'm not tall enough

[Nympha]

Vietnam will organize a Miss Universe Vietnam 2008 contest where the winner will represent Vietnam at Miss Universe 2008. The final will be on May.

ANd the Miss Vietnam 2008 contest will be in late August, so there is enough time for preparations. Do not worry. ^^