Maria Jose Lara, 27 years old from Peru, was crowned Miss Grand International 2017 in a ceremony held on Phu Quoc Island, the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang on October 25.
Maria Jose Lara, 27 years old from Peru, was crowned Miss Grand International 2017. (Photo: VNA)
Kien Giang (VNA) – Maria Jose Lara, 27 years old from Peru, wascrowned Miss Grand International 2017 in a ceremony held on Phu Quoc Island,the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang on October 25.
She beat out 76 competitors to become the world’s newest beauty icon. As MissGrand International, she will travel the world to spread the message of peace,she said when received the crown.
Miss Venezuela finished in second place while Miss Philippines, Miss PuertoRico and Miss Czech Republic came second, third and fourth runners-up.
Host country beauty Miss Vietnam Nguyen Tran Huyen My finised in the top 10,winning the Miss Healthy and Beauty title.
The pageant also handed out awards such as Best National Costume to MissIndonesia, Best in Swimsuit to Miss Costa Rica, Best in Evening Gown to MissChina, Best Social Media to Miss Paraguay and Miss Paradise Cave Heritage toMiss Thailand.
MissGrand International is among the world’s leading international beauty pageantsand one of the five Gland Slam Beauty contests along with Miss Universe, MissWorld, Miss International and Miss Supranational.
This year’s event took place in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Binh provinceand Phu Quoc island over the course of three weeks.-VNA
Hoang Thu Thao won the best national costume award and was among the top 10 at Miss Tourism International 2016, which was held on December 18 in Shanghai, China.
The Miss Grand International (MGI) 2017 will run from October 5 to 26 in Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Binh and Phu Quoc of Kien Giang province, and is expected to attract tourists to these destinations.
Thirty contestants from Southeast Asian countries have gathered in Tuy Hoa city of the south central province of Phu Yen to join the finale of the Miss Friendship of ASEAN 2017 that takes place from June 15 to July 2.
It is the first time that the country is to hold a G1-level tournament which is expected to lure more than 100 athletes of 15 countries and regions at Go Vap Gymnasium.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Maria Jose Lara, 27 years old from Peru, was crowned Miss Grand International 2017. (Photo: VNA) 
