The grand finale of Miss Vietnam 2026 was held on November 7 at Hall of Fame Square, Dragon Hill International Tourist Area, Do Son Ward, Hai Phong City, with 25 contestants competing for the crown.
Nguyễn Yến Trang from Hanoi was crowned Miss Vietnam, while Trần Xuân Khánh Linh secured first runner-up and Lê Phương Nghi represented Gia Lai as second runner-up.
Phương Nghi advanced through the competition's successive rounds, reaching the Top 15, Top 10 and ultimately the Top 5.
During the question-and-answer round, she was asked about the importance of learning and acquiring knowledge in an era when technology and search engines have made information increasingly accessible.
She said that amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence, education should go beyond acquiring knowledge to developing independent thinking, critical reasoning, creativity and resilience among young people. The challenge, she added, is to embrace the spirit of the times while preserving one's own values.
She also expressed her aspiration to combine knowledge with compassion and use it to spread love within the community.
Born in 2006, Phương Nghi is 1.72 meters tall and currently a second-year International Economics student at Foreign Trade University in Ho Chi Minh City. She previously studied English at Hùng Vương High School for the Gifted in Gia Lai.
Her academic record includes third prize and a consolation prize at the National Geography Olympiad, a gold medal at the April 30th Olympic Competition and two provincial first prizes in Geography.
She also holds an IELTS score of 7.5 and a Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N5 certificate. In 2025, she was recognized as a “Five-Good Student” at the chapter level.
Before competing in Miss Vietnam 2026, Phương Nghi won Miss FTUCharm 2025, Foreign Trade University's beauty pageant, and received its “Miss Photogenic” award.
Beyond academics and competitions, she has participated in community service, educational initiatives and charity projects, including Fly To Sky's “Books for Trees” campaign and the “Lighting Up the Highlands” initiative.
Lê Thị Thu, principal of Hùng Vương High School for the Gifted, said the school had closely followed Phương Nghi's journey and recognized her persistence, eagerness to learn and determination to push beyond her limits.
“Phương Nghi possesses many qualities, from beauty to intellect; above all, she is persistent, eager to learn, and constantly strives to surpass her own limits,” Thu said.
She added that the school's teachers and students were delighted and proud of Phương Nghi's achievement. The school plans to hold a ceremony during its upcoming Monday flag-raising event to recognize her success and introduce her accomplishments to students.
In an interview with Gia Lai Newspaper and Radio & Television before the competition, Phương Nghi said she hoped to learn from young people nationwide and use her voice and energy to promote learning, kindness and a spirit of contribution.
For her, Miss Vietnam was not simply an opportunity to win a title, but a journey of self-challenge, personal growth and maturity.
She also hoped to introduce Gia Lai's cultural identity, distinctive natural landscapes and the sincerity, simplicity and solidarity of its people to audiences across the country.
Her mother, Mai Thị Thanh Chung, said the family's support had accompanied Phương Nghi throughout her studies, activities and competitions.
“When my daughter was named Second Runner-up at Miss Vietnam, I was overwhelmed with emotion, happiness and pride,” Chung said, adding that the competitions had helped her daughter become more confident, resilient and mature.
She expressed hope that Phương Nghi would continue to pursue her ambitions with compassion, perseverance and determination while remaining eager to learn and improve herself.
Chung also thanked the organizers, judges, teachers, friends and others who had supported her daughter throughout the competition.
Held under the theme “Land of Fragrance and Beauty,” Miss Vietnam 2026 focuses on four criteria: Beauty, Culture, Intelligence and Dedication.
Phương Nghi's second runner-up title represents a significant milestone in her journey, bringing together beauty, intellectual achievement and determination.
Her success has brought pride to her family and teachers while highlighting the aspirations of Gia Lai's younger generation to pursue personal development, integrate confidently and contribute positively to society.
