Celebrating the Traditional Day of Vietnamese Students and the Vietnam Student Association (January 9, 1950 – January 9, 2025), as well as the 35th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh City Open University (June 15, 1990 – June 15, 2025), the university held the Grand Finale and Award Ceremony of the "Miss and Mister OU 2025" student beauty contest on the evening of January 12, 2025.

Top 30 contestants in the Final Round

The event was honored to welcome President Nguyen Minh Ha, Vice President Le Nguyen Quoc Khang, sponsors, the judging panel, and more than 1,000 students who attended to cheer for the contestants.

Overview of the final stage

The "Miss and Mister OU 2025" competition is a vibrant cultural and artistic event, carefully planned on a grand scale, aimed at guiding students toward a proper aesthetic appreciation of the modern era. The competition highlights the elegance, intelligence, and kindness of Ho Chi Minh City Open University students, fostering a positive attitude toward life.

Launched in November 2024, the competition attracted over 100 students from various academic programs, including Full-time Undergraduate, Distance Learning, Online Learning, and Postgraduate Education. Notably, international students from France, Cambodia, and Laos also participated.

At the Grand Finale, President Nguyen Minh Ha shared:

"Accompanying the contestants from the beginning, I have witnessed their continuous efforts to improve and develop themselves to meet the criteria of a new-generation student. They are ready for integration, always conveying positive messages, and contributing to a better society.

"I believe that every experience in this competition will serve as valuable preparation, helping them gain confidence, maturity, and the skills needed to become talented, courageous, and intellectual individuals. They will proudly represent our university, carrying its legacy wherever they go."

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha – Rector of the University shared

On stage, the finalists delivered impressive performances in the Traditional Ao Dai segment, the Evening Gown (for females), and the Elegant Suit (for males). After two rounds, the judging panel selected the Top 10 contestants for the final Q&A session before announcing the winners.

The final results crowned Nguyen Thi Truc Vi, a first-year student from the Faculty of Sociology – Social Work – Southeast Asia Studies, as Miss OU 2025. She also won the "Best Face" award. Meanwhile, the Mister OU 2025 title was awarded to Nguyen Quoc Huy from the Faculty of Civil Engineering.

"Participating in this competition was a journey of self-discovery, allowing me to expand my network and learn valuable experiences from seniors and peers. This competition has helped me grow, gain confidence, and prepare for future challenges," said Truc Vi.

She also shared that she has been dedicated to improving herself, from fitness training to honing communication and performance skills. She believes that with perseverance, she will achieve further success.

Miss Nguyen Thi Truc Vi (left) and Mister Nguyen Quoc Huy (right)

Mister OU 2025, Quoc Huy, is known for his enthusiasm in social activities and his willingness to challenge himself in new fields. Reflecting on his journey, he stated:

"Competing in the ‘Miss and Mister OU 2025’ contest at Ho Chi Minh City Open University has been a significant milestone in my pursuit of personal dreams. I want to represent the university as a dynamic, creative, and passionate student. Winning this contest motivates me to continue striving toward greater goals."

As part of the journey leading to the Grand Finale, on December 22, 2024, the Top 30 contestants paid tribute to fallen heroes at the Ho Chi Minh City Martyrs’ Cemetery. On December 29, they visited Long Hoa Shelter and Phu My Charity Class, home to nearly 100 orphaned and underprivileged children.

Continuing their impactful journey, on January 5, 2025, the contestants participated in a cycling campaign around the city center to promote environmental protection with the message "For a Green City."

"Miss and Mister OU 2025" was not just about crowning titleholders-it was a deeply meaningful experience. Through various activities, the competition aimed to inspire and cultivate social responsibility among young students.

Other titles and awards belong to:

Miss OU 2025 – Nguyen Thi Truc Vi (Faculty of Sociology – Social Work – Southeast Asia Studies)

Mister OU 2025 – Nguyen Quoc Huy (Faculty of Civil Engineering)

1st Runner-up (Mister) – Tran Nguyen Thai Bao (Faculty of Business Administration)

1st Runner-up (Miss) – Le Ngoc Han (Faculty of Foreign Languages)

2nd Runner-up (Mister) – Nguyen Tien Dung (Faculty of Business Administration)

2nd Runner-up (Miss) – Pham Thi Hong Hanh (Faculty of Sociology – Social Work – Southeast Asia Studies)

Top 5 Finalists:

Nguyen Vu Truc Phuong (School Of Advanced Studies)

Le Tuan Anh (Faculty of Business Administration)

Su Thi Hien Minh (Faculty of Business Administration)

Tran Quang Phung (Faculty of Business Administration)

Secondary Prizes:

People’s Choice Award: Tran Thi Diem Phuc – School Of Advanced Studies

Best Face: Nguyen Thi Truc Vi – Faculty of Sociology – Social Work – Southeast Asian Studies.

Community Ambassador Award: Phan Gia Huy – Faculty of Biotechnology.

Best Male International Student Award: Sadet Nalisack – Faculty of Special Training.

Best Female International Student Award: Ing Sukim – School of Advanced Studies.

Best in Evening Gown: Truong Bao Tran – Faculty of Sociology – Social Work – Southeast Asian Studies.

Best Interview: Tran Nguyen Thai Bao – Faculty of Business Administration.

Best in Áo Dài: Nguyen Vu Truc Phuong –School of Advanced Studies.

Best in Veston: Le Tuan Anh – Faculty of Business Administration.

Contestants taking souvenir photo

Some images from the event:

Top 30 contestants in traditional ao dai costumes

Top 30 contestants participating in the cycling campaign for environmental protection

Top 30 contestants visited Long Hoa Shelter and Phu My Volunteer Class

Article and Photos: OUNews