INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES THE ELEGANCE OF ÁO DÀI THROUGH “MISTER & MISS ÁO DÀI 2025 – GẤM HOA HỒN VIỆT”

On the morning of May 16, International University – Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (IU – VNU-HCM) held the final round and awards ceremony of the “Mister & Miss Áo Dài 2025 – Gấm Hoa Hồn Việt” contest at the Student Cultural House’ auditorium.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam Reunification day (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025) and the 139th anniversary of International Workers’ Day (May 1, 1886 – May 1, 2025), International University – Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (IU – VNU-HCM) organized the “Mister & Miss Áo Dài 2025” contest with the theme Gấm Hoa Hồn Việt (The Soul of Vietnam in Brocade Blossoms). The competition offers an opportunity for the university’s staff, faculty, and students to come together and honor the traditional beauty of the áo dài – a cultural symbol deeply connected to the Vietnamese spirit and national identity.

Co-organized by the university’s Trade Union and Youth Union, and following the success of its inaugural season, this marks the second time the contest has been held. This year’s program featured a rich series of activities spanning from mid-April to mid-May 2025. The competition rounds were meticulously designed to inspire cultural appreciation and creativity in each contestant.

From April 14 to April 25, 2025, contestants submitted their registration applications. The preliminary round, titled “Dáng Việt qua lăng kính”, took place from April 27 to May 6, 2025, beginning with a photoshoot at the Fine Arts Museum, HCMC. The submitted photos were then uploaded to the official website for public voting. The combined results of audience votes and scores from the judging panel determined the Top 20 finalists who advanced to the final round.

The judging panel featured respected figures from both within and outside the university community: Nguyễn Việt Hùng – a renowned fashion designer in Vietnamese fashion with over 20 years dedicated to the áo dài, Dr. Võ Văn Tới – former Head of the Biomedical Engineering Department at IU and a distinguished overseas Vietnamese recognized for his outstanding contributions to Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyễn Lâm Diễm Trang – 2014 Miss Vietnam Runner-up and an alumna of IU, and Dr. Nguyễn Minh Thành – Vice Chairman of the university’s Trade Union and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Biotechnology at IU.

The judging panel of the “Mister & Miss Áo Dài 2025 – Gấm Hoa Hồn Việt” contest (from left to right): Prof. Dr. Võ Văn Tới, Á hậu (Miss Vietnam Runner-up) Nguyễn Lâm Diễm Trang, fashion designer Nguyễn Việt Hùng, and Dr. Nguyễn Minh Thành – Vice Chairman of the Trade Union at IU.

The competition was structured into four meaningful and engaging segments, aimed at celebrating both the traditional beauty and the talents of the contestants. Segment 1: Áo Dài – Một Biểu Tượng, Một Câu Chuyện (06–13/5), contestants submitted videos of up to 2 minutes, sharing their personal reflections and stories associated with the traditional áo dài. Segment 2: Phong Thái Dáng Việt, the Top 20 finalists showcased two outfits: Việt phục (sponsored by Hoa Niên) and the áo dài (designed by Nguyễn Việt Hùng), express elegance, confidence, and cultural pride.

The Top 20 contestants showcase traditional áo dài attire during the “Phong Thái Dáng Việt” segment at the Final Round of Mister & Miss Áo Dài 2025 – Gấm Hoa Hồn Việt.

In Segment 3: Tài Năng Dáng Việt, the Top 10 contestants demonstrated their unique skills through performances such as singing, dancing, martial arts, and public speaking, delivering impressive and creative showcases.

Contestant Minh Phương – Student Division – presents an elegant dance performance, blending physical grace with traditional art.

Contestant Ngọc Nhi – Student Division – delivers an emotional short play portraying the resilient and compassionate image of Vietnamese women in the talent segment.

The final segment, Segment 4: Bản Lĩnh Dáng Việt, featured the Top 6 contestants in a Q&A session. This round tested their critical thinking, poise, and communication skills, leaving a lasting impression and highlighting the essence of the competition.

The Top 6 contestants shine during the Q&A segment, showcasing confidence, critical thinking, poise, and the ability to respond eloquently and flexibly on stage.

The competition concluded with deep emotions and lasting impressions, marking a successful journey in discovering and honoring the most outstanding talents. At the awards ceremony, exceptional contestants were recognized across two categories.

In the Staff and Faculty Category, First Prize was awarded to Ms. Nguyễn Thảo Thục Trân (Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer), Second Prize went to Mr. Lê Ngọc Anh Khoa (Faculty of Economics, Finance, and Accounting), and Third Prize was presented to Ms. Nguyễn Thị Quyên (Faculty of Languages).

Meanwhile, in the Student Category, Nguyễn Phạm Ý Nhi (Faculty of Languages) claimed First Prize, Lê Hà Ngọc Nhi (Faculty of Business Administration) won Second Prize, and Lê Nguyễn Minh Phương (Faculty of Business Administration) received Third Prize.

With a total prize pool valued at tens of millions of VND, the program not only celebrated the traditional beauty of the áo dài but also inspired creativity and national pride within the IU community.

The judging panel takes a commemorative photo with the contestants.