The 30-year-old model hails from the Ede ethnic minority group in the Central Highland province of Dak Lak and was crowned as Miss Universe Vietnam 2017.

She also finished among the Top 5 of Miss Universe 2018, making it Vietnam’s best ever performance at the event.

Missosology announced Miss Universe Vietnam H’Hen Nie as its Timeless Beauty 2018, making her the first contestant from the nation to clinch the title.

On its website, Missosology wrote, “H’Hen Nie was remarkable in the Miss Universe stage. Her pixie cut hair was an embodiment of being “confidently beautiful”. Every moment she was on stage, she milked every second of it. She was a star!”

“She might not have won the crown, but H’Hen won the hearts of the people with her inspiring story,” Missosology added.

H’Hen is also notable for being the first person from an ethnic minority to be crowned Miss Universe in Vietnam.

She was born in a poor family in a rural village in the Central Highland province of Dak Lak where it is customary to get married as early as 14. She then went to Ho Chi Minh City, working different jobs to earn living when she was still very young.

In 2017, she was crowned Miss Universe Vietnam.

VOV