Nong Thuy Hang, crowned Miss Ethnic Vietnam 2022, has consistently brought the cultural identity of her Tay heritage to the forefront of every stage she steps on.

Born and raised in Ha Giang, a northern province known for its rugged landscapes and rich ethnic diversity, Nong Thuy Hang’s early life laid the groundwork for her resilience, pride, and deep cultural awareness - qualities that now define her public image and personal mission.

For Hang, Ha Giang is more than a hometown; it is the root of her soul. The mountains and traditions of her childhood taught her to be independent, unyielding in the face of adversity, and proud of her heritage.

These values became her compass as she pursued a path that blended intellect, culture, and beauty.

Hang’s academic record is as impressive as her pageant titles. A top student for 12 consecutive years, she also won third prize in the national literature competition - an achievement that could have easily led her down an academic path.

But she never saw beauty and education as separate choices. Instead, she believed knowledge enhanced charisma, and that intellect was just as vital to influence as appearance.

When the opportunity arose to compete in pageants, she saw it as a platform to speak up for her culture and prove that girls from ethnic minority backgrounds could succeed on multiple levels.

Even after being crowned, Hang never viewed the title as the ultimate goal. To her, beauty and knowledge are tools for community service, storytelling, and cultural preservation.

Still, her journey has not been without prejudice. As a Tay woman, she often faced narrow assumptions - suggestions that ethnic girls should marry early or that their appearance could not meet mainstream pageant standards.

But instead of being discouraged, she turned these comments into motivation. With each step forward, she reminded herself that she was representing not only herself but also her people. Her rise became proof that ethnic minority women could excel in any domain.

One of her most meaningful projects after her coronation was “A thousand shades of wedding attire across Vietnamese ethnic groups.”

The initiative wasn’t just a visual documentation but a personal mission to reconnect with and preserve the soul of traditional culture.

Each outfit captured in the project carried stories, rituals, and the spirit of a community.

One memorable shoot took place in Thai Nguyen under heavy rain.

Though unable to borrow garments from a museum, her team received support from a local brand, and the resulting photos became a source of pride for their contribution to cultural conservation.

On the international stage, especially during Miss Friendship International 2023, Hang’s Tay background gave her a unique voice.

She shared stories of her community’s traditional songs like Then, the symbolic Tinh lute, and her tribe’s vibrant costumes.

But beyond the visuals and folklore, it was the Tay values - kindness, sincerity, and loyalty - that gave her a steady and grounded presence throughout the competition.

Her grounded nature also shaped her personal life. She met her boyfriend through a charity club, where they were introduced by mutual friends. Their first meeting coincided with a family obligation - she had to take her grandmother to an eye appointment.

Rather than reschedule, he offered to accompany them both. That moment revealed his genuine and respectful character, leaving a lasting impression.

For Hang, a lasting relationship is one built on mutual respect, acceptance, and shared growth - not uniformity, but harmony in differences.

When she chose to go public with the relationship, she understood the implications it might have on her image. Yet she believed that a strong woman need not hide her happiness, as long as she could maintain the boundary between her public role and personal life.

Navigating the entertainment industry, Hang holds tightly to her “red line”: ethics and authenticity. In a world full of temptations, she believes fame is fleeting, but self-respect and integrity endure. For her, success is never worth sacrificing one’s values.

She refuses to let the spotlight distort who she is or lead her away from the principles that have guided her since childhood.

Huy Minh