Beauty queen Phung Hong May: "Everyone should have faith in the younger generation."

On the evening of March 28, 2008, the beauty of female students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities shone brightly and was honored when Phung Hong May, one of the three contestants representing the University, was crowned Miss Elegant Student of Hanoi National University for the third time, and also won the additional award for Best Traditional Vietnamese Dress. We had a quick conversation with the new Miss Elegant Student.

Reporter (R):Congratulations, Phung Hong May! Could you please introduce yourself briefly?

Phung Hong May (PHM)I am a K50 student in the Department of Archival Studies and Office Management, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi). I was born and raised in Hai Phong. My hobbies include listening to music, reading books, and playing sports such as swimming and aerobics.

PV: As one of the representatives from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities participating in the competition, did you feel any pressure, especially since previous representatives from the university, like Hoang Anh, who participated in the competition at the Vietnam National University level, had all achieved great success?

PHM:I didn't feel any pressure at all. Before the competition, I didn't even think about whether I would win or not. For me, it was a valuable platform to interact with many other female participants, who were undoubtedly outstanding representatives from various organizations.

PV: What are your thoughts on the organization and scale of this competition?

PHM:This was the most professionally organized and large-scale competition I've ever seen. The organizers helped the contestants travel to many places and do many meaningful things, such as learning about the origins of Vietnam in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh), visiting some heroic Vietnamese mothers, and paying respects to martyrs at Tu Liem Cemetery (Hanoi). These were beneficial activities not only for me but also for the other students participating in the competition.

PV: What about the judging panel?

PHM:I'm very impressed with David Minh Duc. He's a talented and professional designer. He has a keen eye for choosing the right outfits for each contestant. He's also very dedicated to the contestants, attending most of the rehearsals to guide and instruct them on how to perform on stage so that they can all showcase their best qualities.

PV: How would you rate your competitors in this competition? Which contestant impressed you the most?

PHM:I find you all very beautiful and talented, the most outstanding representatives of the units within Hanoi National University. In my opinion, whoever wins the award is deserving and capable of representing the beauty of female students at Hanoi National University in upcoming beauty contests.

PV: The judges highly praised your confidence, intelligence, and professional presentation skills. What do you have to say about this?

PHM:I was genuinely surprised to receive such high praise. On stage, I just focused on doing my best to showcase my beauty through the outfits. I'm very happy that my efforts have paid off.

PV: After the Miss Elegant Student Contest at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, you said you were most satisfied with your talent performance, but in the Vietnam National University Hanoi competition, you didn't make it into the top 3 best performances. What are your thoughts on this?

PHM:I think I did my best, and that's the judges' decision. I also really enjoyed the talent performances of Pha Le, Thuy Trang, and Kim Sau. They were all excellent in showcasing their individual talents.

PV: During the Q&A segment, some people were dissatisfied with your answer. Did you find it a difficult question? If you could answer it again, what would you say?

PHM:In my opinion, it was a question about a pressing social issue today. It's a difficult question to answer perfectly within the short time frame of being on stage. But I'm quite satisfied with my answer.

PV: What is the biggest lesson you learned from participating in this competition? Do you have any particularly memorable experiences, and with whom?

PHMIt was a very interesting experience, through which I discovered my strengths and overcame my weaknesses to become a better person.

There are so many memories, mostly with the contestants. We had a wonderful time together.

PV: Some argue that in current beauty pageants, the intellectual beauty of contestants seems to fall short of the physical beauty of those who compete. What are your thoughts on this issue?

PHM:In my opinion, that's just a biased view. Specifically in this competition, I personally find that all the contestants are not only beautiful but also very intelligent and talented. If you follow the competition, you'll see that.

PV: Some argue that today's youth are more dynamic, creative, and capable than previous generations, but seem to lack depth of thought and inner beauty, focusing too much on modern values ​​and neglecting traditional ones. What is your opinion on this matter?

PHM:I think that young people are different in every era. Currently, we live in a modern society that forces people, especially young people, to be dynamic in order to rise up and assert themselves. However, today's young generation has many activities focused on their roots, preserving traditions, and participating actively in social activities. Everyone should have faith in our young generation.

PV: Now that you've been crowned Miss Elegant Student of Hanoi National University, what changes will your life undergo? What are your aspirations for your future career and life?

PHM:My life remains the same as before; I still go to university every day and fulfill the duties of a normal student.

Regarding my career, I believe I've made the right career choice and will follow that path. However, if life offers me other opportunities to try new things, I will consider them and make a suitable decision.

PV: If you were representing female students from Hanoi National University in higher-level beauty pageants, what message would you want to send to those competitions?

PHM:The message I want to convey is: Female students at Hanoi National University are not only beautiful in appearance but also intelligent, wise, friendly, and sociable with everyone. And I hope to leave a good impression on everyone.

PV:Thank you.