A future diplomat and a beauty pageant contestant – are those two completely contrasting images? For Nguyen Thanh Thao, the 19-year-old from Hanoi, the answer is no. On the contrary, it is precisely these seemingly opposing aspects that create the unique appeal of her journey: between the rational realm of international law and the dazzling lights of the stage, Thao is writing a bold and harmonious story – where a young woman not only represents Vietnamese intellect but also shines as a symbol of contemporary beauty.
When the evening gown meets the International Trade coursebook
In the serious academic setting of the Diplomatic Academy, Nguyen Thanh Thao is no unfamiliar name. As a first-year student majoring in International Trade Law, she is considered one of the most promising young students, thanks to her solid language foundation – an IELTS score of 7.5 and strong French communication skills – along with clear, logical thinking and sharp critical reasoning. Yet behind the simple blazer she wears in the lecture hall lies a very different world – one filled with classical piano melodies each evening, where she immerses herself in art and emotion. From a young age, Thao studied piano as a form of meditation for the soul.
At the age of 13, she impressively won the Gold Cup at the Asia-Pacific Arts Festival, marking a turning point in her artistic journey. The contrast between two worlds – one serious and rational, the other soft and emotional – might seem contradictory, but for Thao, it is balanced. She doesn’t choose one over the other, but embraces both, to become a harmonious version of herself.
Parallel journey: College girl – Artist – Beauty pageant contestant
Joining Miss Vietnam 2024, Thanh Thao harbors no illusions about a dramatic transformation or changing her fate with a crown. To her, this is simply an open stage – a place to challenge herself, gain experience, learn, and grow. From physical training sessions to body movement workshops and catwalk lessons, Thao has always maintained a humble, diligent, and forward-thinking attitude. She doesn’t seek to make waves on social media with bold statements, but instead chooses to shine quietly – through her gaze, her walk, and her smile.
To her, beauty is not something to be flaunted with volume or color, but something that makes others pause and feel. Among dozens of talented and radiant contestants, Thanh Thao retains her distinct identity: a calm, intellectual, and deeply feminine beauty – embodying the essence of a true “Diplomatic Academy muse”.
Poise – Not from the spotlight, but from the depth
One of the key elements shaping Nguyen Thanh Thao’s image as “The Elegant Diplomat” is her disciplined journey of cultivating poise and presence at Onasa Royal Academy Japan – a prestigious institution specializing in lifestyle refinement, communication, and demeanor training for modern women. Here, she was mentored by etiquette expert Khuat Anh Tuyet – widely regarded as the “diamond hand” behind the confidence of many Vietnamese beauty queens, models, and businesswomen. With years of study and work experience in Japan, Ms. Tuyet doesn’t just teach skills – she imparts a life philosophy: elegance is not something to perform, but something nurtured through daily thoughts and ways of living.
Under Ms. Tuyet’s guidance, Thao learned how to walk with intention to express respect, how to sit while maintaining body alignment, and even how to smile just enough – so it feels sincere, not staged. These seemingly minor details are, in fact, what build lasting charm – a foundational beauty that no spotlight can fabricate.
Crown – Maybe not a destination, but rather a starting point
Nguyen Thanh Thao has never insisted on being the one to claim the crown. What she truly seeks is the journey itself — to “overcome herself in order to become better”, as she once shared. She understands that regardless of the final result, this experience offers invaluable lessons: from learning how to present herself and communicate in front of the camera, to managing emotions amid pressure and expectation. As she walks the stage today, she is also stepping into a new version of herself — more grounded, composed, and undeniably more confident as she prepares for the greater stages of life.
Nguyen Thanh Thao is a multi-layered symphony — of beauty and intellect, of music and diplomacy, of brilliance and depth. She embodies a kind of beauty that the new generation is seeking — one that defies outdated molds of what a woman or a pageant contestant “should be.” Hers is a beauty of thought, resilience, and the quiet grace to take a step back… while still commanding the attention of the entire room. Notably, Thao is currently launching her community initiative: “Anh Sang Vung Cao” – Light for the Highlands, a project dedicated to supporting the education of underprivileged children in remote areas.
