Vietnam to host in Miss Universe 2008

VietNamNet Bridge, Aug. 22 – Doan Thi Kim Hong, Chairwoman of CIAT Advertisement Company, Miss Universe Organisation’s Vietnamese partner, yesterday said Vietnam had been chosen to host Miss Universe 2008 beauty pageant.

Ms. Hong said she had received a letter from Miss Universe President Paula Mary Shugart two days before, which was only 10 days after the Miss Universe delegation’s trip to the country and much earlier than expected since during her trip, Ms. Shugart said she would give a definite answer within two months.

“So after receiving the letter, Lam Dong province’s Vice Chairman Truong Van Thu and I personally reported the good news to Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh, who received it warmly.

“The minister told me to immediately work with Khanh Hoa provincial authorities to make sure that Khanh Hoa was also determined to host this event. Khanh Hoa leaders and I have developed a plan to submit to the ministry and government and will await the government’s final answer,” said Doan Thi Kim Hong.

Asked why it was Khanh Hoa province rather than Hanoi or HCM City that she contacted, Ms. Hong explained that after receiving Ms. Shugart’s response she did talk with Hanoi and HCM City authorities, who said that the two cities would be unable to meet requirements for infrastructure and stages in such a short a period of time.

“Khanh Hoa is more determined. Of course, with the support and approval of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as well as the government, though Khanh Hoa will host the event, other cities like Hanoi, HCM City, Da Lat and Da Nang can join in by hosting such activities as talent contests or exchanges,” added she.
According to Ms. Hong, Khanh Hoa leaders and sponsors will soon discuss what they will have to do to build a 7,500-seat arena in the next 8 months, as well as come up the US$7million for Miss Universe copyrights required by Miss Universe Organization.
As long as Vietnam promises to address these two concerns, it will be the destination of Miss Universe 2008. Ms. Hong said money wasn’t a problem since she had received many offers to help pay for the event from domestic and overseas business quarters.

“Yet, since this will be one of the biggest events ever for Vietnam, there must be lots of both material and non-material support from the government, and ministries, especially the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism,” said she.
Vietnam should give an answer to Ms. Shugart’s letter as soon as possible since there are other countries eagerly waiting for a chance to host the event. Miss Universe 2007, Riyo Mori for instance, is still actively campaigning to bring Miss Universe 2008 to her home country, Japan.

Authorities in Granada, Spain, are also interested in bringing the 2008 event to their country.