Story behind Huong Giang’s appointment as Vietnam’s Miss Universe 2025 contender

MUVN announced in September that Nguyen Huong Giang, a 32-year-old singer and television personality, will represent Vietnam at Miss Universe 2025, scheduled to take place in Thailand in November.

For the first time in history, a transgender woman will wear the Vietnam sash at the world's most prestigious beauty pageant.

The announcement not only marks a new milestone in Huong Giang's personal journey but also stands as a bold declaration of the 'Diversity & Empowerment' spirit that Miss Universe Vietnam pursues in this new era, MUVN said in a press release.

"This year has truly been a special one for Miss Universe Vietnam," said Valentin Tran, president of Miss Universe Vietnam.

"Despite our full preparation and unwavering commitment to the pageant, we were unable to organize [a] competition [to formally choose a Vietnamese contender for Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand] as planned.

"It is something I deeply regret – my team and I had envisioned a remarkable season, but certain unforeseen and uncontrollable factors prevented it from happening.

"Nevertheless, our core mission remains unchanged: to create opportunities for every woman to represent Vietnam on the international stage."

Tran added that the special appointment of Huong Giang this year was a strategic and carefully evaluated decision, carried out in compliance with Miss Universe Organization regulations and with the approval of relevant authorities.

This approach not only serves as a practical solution for an exceptional year but also reflects MUVN's renewed vision, one that defines beauty through courage, intellect, and humanity.

Huong Giang, the first transgender woman to represent Vietnam at a Miss Universe edition, marks a historic milestone for the organization.

Seven years after being crowned Miss International Queen 2018, MUVN said, she is considered a fitting ambassador to embody and convey the message 'Beyond Beauty – The Story Behind the Crown.'

"Miss Universe is no longer merely a beauty contest," Tran said.

"It has become a global platform for real stories – for women who represent courage and transformation.

"Huong Giang is the living embodiment of that message."

The Miss Universe Organization continues to evolve and broaden the definition of beauty, now embracing women who are married, mothers, or transgender.

Following Ky Duyen's Top 30 placement at Miss Universe 2024, MUVN now aims to bring Vietnam back to the Top 10 in 2025 while contributing to a broader societal understanding of beauty and the role of women in the modern era.