What is one lesson that your life in Vietnam taught you that you could never learn from any textbook?
You have to enjoy every minute to the fullest with your family, because that is something you’ll not be able to find.
The world knows Vietnamese culture for its resilience, artistry, and even grace. In what single, small, everyday act do you embody the spirit of Vietnam here on our international stage?
Vietnamese people are very kind and resilient, I embody those qualities.
We often celebrate the Yes that leads to opportunity and success. What was the most important ‘No’ you have ever said, and how did that refusal define your character or your path more profoundly than any victory?
When I had to choose myself above something that I really want, but unfortunately will not make me happy in the long run. That’s when I realized that in life, there will be times when I have to put myself first and choose what I deserve and not settle for less.
To ease the tension and remind us that even beauty queens are just people, tell us: What is the worst or most ridiculous pick-up line a person has ever tried to use on you?
– “You can’t have this”, yes I don’t have everything I want at all times, but when I really want something and I know that thing will make me happy and that I deserve it. Well I will have it!
As you stand on this international stage under immense pressure, what is one piece of Vietnamese family wisdom (a family rule or a simple phrase) that your parents or grandparents ingrained in you that you whisper to yourself to stay present and grounded?
My family always wants me to be happy, no matter what I choose to do with my life. I’ll always remember that in every situation I need to choose the positive path for myself, even in the worst scenario possible
What is one incredibly specific sight, sound, or smell from your home in Vietnam, perhaps the smell of a certain dish, the sound of a specific word, or a view from a window, that instantly transports you back to the feeling of being completely loved and supported by your family?
The smell of the delicious street food. All of my family are chefs so growing up I’ve been fortunate enough to taste and understand the importance of a delicious meal made by love.
What is an advice you would give 7-year-old you if you had the chance to transport back to that moment, something you wished you knew before it was too late?
Love and be gentler with yourself. If you are different and not everyone are kind with you, be kind to yourself and be open minded, let things go even if it hurts.
If your life were to be remembered not by an achievement, but by a feeling you consistently inspired in others, what feeling would you want that to be?
Feeling that you can have more for yourself and give more to others.
It feels like sometimes there is a bridge between Asia and Europe, if you could take one piece of collective Vietnamese wisdom or cultural perspective and ingrain it into a simple piece of advice to offer to the European community, what would it be?
I think changes are important. There should be boundaries for everything and everyone. One thing I’d like to ingrain in European people will be for women to appreciate themselves more, to love themselves and to cherish themselves. Another thing will be for them to be more open to new people, cultures, perspectives etc.
What is one moment from your life, something raw and relatable, that you would share with other young women to inspire them more than any polished, motivational speech can?
The worst thing that happened in my life was losing both of my parents. I thought for a very long time that I’ll never be happy again and there’s nothing that can change that – my parents are gone and there’s nothing that can bring them back. When you are at the bottom, you only have 2 choices left – to lift yourself up and be a better version of yourself by finding happiness in your life or to be miserable forever. Even in the worst situation, you still have to find the strength within you.
