Ms Thao said she was apprehensive because this was her first time as a “rookie” serving as a jury member at the pageant.

It was an honour to be selected, she said.

It is not just a beauty pageant, she said, but also a talent pageant. One of the largest in Vietnam.

To be charged with the responsibility of choosing the contestant that would have an opportunity to achieve this unique and personal goal was an extreme honour and pleasure for me.

There were also many additional opportunities for the contestants to win scholarships.

In summary, I think it has been one of the most interesting, exciting, experiences of my life.