Throughout the show, the candidates delivered presentations on the subject of "Cultural Diplomacy". They demonstrated diverse aspects of Vietnamese culture such as Dong Ho folk painting, water puppetry, Xoan singing, and Vovinam martial arts. The performances not only offered an original and touching perspective, but they also represented actual cultural issues such as the loss of traditional artifacts, cultural deterioration, and violation of traditional product copyrights. In addition, the competitors suggested particular solutions that are relevant to their peer community and mentioned their personal social initiatives. 

Nguyen Thi Thu Trang (No. 001) with the desire to preserve Dong Ho folk paintings through the her speech
Truong Nguyen Chau Anh (No. 002) with a presentation on the art of Water Puppetry
Phung My Linh (No. 003) chooses Xoan singing as the theme of her presentation
The unique presentation of Vovinam by contestant Trinh Linh Nhi (No. 004)
Nguyen Ha Thao Trang (No. 005) impressed with the presentation of a flower bicycle of Hanoi 
Do Thi Thuy Duong (No. 006) with the eloquence about folk music
Contestant Hoang Thu Hang (No. 007) chooses to speak about Ha Long Bay
Contestant Cao Thi Diem Quynh (No. 008) with the topic “Vietnamese custom of eating betel nut”
Contestant Tran Thi Thuy Dung (No. 009) chooses the topic “Vietnamese”
Contestant Le Thao Hien (SBD 010) with a brand new topic - Village Entrance

Following each contestant's presentation, the judges offered feedback and asked behavioral questions to acquire a better understanding of their speech. The finalists were applauded for their broad education, appreciation of ethnic cultures, as well as their exceptional public speaking and body language abilities. Significantly, the top 15 stunned the audience with their proficiency in English, French, Chinese, and other languages. Each performance strongly highlighted patriotism and the desire to promote Vietnam's identity via cultural diplomacy, bringing out the top 15 participants' intelligence and talents.

Contestant Doan Thi Xuan Linh (No. 011) presented the eloquence section with the theme "Worship the Mother Goddess of the Three Palaces"
The topic "Vietnamese smile" was chosen by contestant Nguyen Diem Quynh (No. 012) in her presentation
Contestant Nguyen Hoang Yen (No. 013) chooses the topic about Dong Son Bronze Drum
Contestant Nguyen Ha An (No. 014) with the topic of Vietnamese storks
Contestant Tran Hoang Anh (No. 015) with the topic Vietnamese - Voice of the Nation

The semi-final round was judged by a team of experienced judges, including Ms. Do Tu Hien - Deputy Chief of Office, Former Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam; Mr. Lai Thai Binh - Deputy Director of the East Sea Institute at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam; Mr. Tran Chi Trung - Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic Studies at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam; Ms. Tran Thai Thuy - Director of the News Center at Hanoi Radio and Television Broadcasting; Director Hoang Trong Thanh; and journalist Ngo Ba Luc. The judging panel consisted of seasoned specialists from several disciplines who offered insightful opinions on the competition's subject.

The powerful judges of Miss DAV 2023
The powerful judges of Miss DAV 2023

The semi-final of Miss DAV 2023 was an enormous accomplishment. The top 15 participants demonstrated their confidence and broad knowledge, helping to establish the value of intellect and patriotism in the "Heart and Beauty" of female diplomatic students. The Talent round will be held on June 24th to choose the most outstanding 10 participants for the final round.

 

Khánh Linh