Trieu Thi Ha, 19, an ethnic Nung girl from the northern mountainous province of Cao Bang, has become Miss Ethnic Vietnam 2011.

Ha, a student of the Economics and Business Administration University, was awarded a cash prize of VND100 million and gifts worth over VND200 million.

The first runner-up was Pham Thi Thanh Tuyen from ethnic Kinh group, while Son Thi Dura from ethnic Khmer group was the second runner-up.

The jury board also presented other awards: Miss Friendly to Thuy Dung from the ethnic Kinh group, Miss Fashion to Nhu Quynh from the Muong, Miss Body Beauty to H’Ang Nie from the E De, Miss Talent to Nguyen Pham Ly Sang from the Kinh, Miss Ao Dai (traditional long dress) to Minh Thuong from the Thai, and Miss Tourism to Ngoc Han from the Kinh group.

The final round of the Miss Ethnic Vietnam 2011contest took place at Hoa Binh Theatre in Ho Chi Minh City on December 10. The beauty pageant, which was co-organized by the Committee on Ethnic Minority Affairs (CEMA) and the Ciat Company, drew 61 contestants representing beautiful girls from 19 ethnic groups across the country.

Ho AnhTuan, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said that the event aims to honour the beauty of Vietnamese women and the cultural identity of ethnic groups, as well as strengthening solidarity among them.

Source: VOV