Last Updated: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 11:52:21 Vietnam (GMT+07) 
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Print versionVietnam nails 2008 Miss Universe pageant
Nguyen Cong Khe (R), Thanh Nien’s Editor-in-Chief, shakes hand with UniCorp chairman Nguyen Quoc Toan after singing the media coverage contractA contract signing ceremony for Vietnam to host Miss Universe 2008 was held yesterday in Ho Chi Minh City between the Hoan Vu Joint Stock Company (UniCorp) and the President of Miss Universe pageant contest. UniCorp also inked deals with several Vietnamese sponsors, including Thanh Nien, at the signing ceremony.
About 100 contestants will stay in Vietnam for at least a month next July, though the specific date has not been finalized.
“We're very confident that this will be one of the best partnerships we have had in many years,” said Paula Mary Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization.
“For many of these girls, this trip to Vietnam will mark the first time they have ever left their homelands.”
Most of the funds for the contest, reportedly around US$15 million, will be raised through sponsorships, investments and advertisements, organizers say.
Following Shugart’s tour of Vietnam in August to review the country's infrastructure and security, the Vietnamese government approved the hosting of Miss Universe 2008 on September 26.
She said the worldwide television audiences of more than one billion people will be amazed by the spectacular location of Nha Trang.
Le Xuan Than, vice chairman of Khanh Hoa Province People's Committee and chairman of the organizing committee, told the media that the 7,500-seat indoor theater is scheduled to be open in the next three or four months.
“Surely Khanh Hoa Province is ready for this event after hosting Miss Vietnam 2006 and Miss Vietnam Global 2007,” Than said.
As the official host, all television channels in Vietnam will be permitted free access and to broadcast the pageant's activities.
Nguyen Quoc Toan, chairman of UniCorp, said the company has also offered an invitation to Donald Trump, who runs the annual Miss Universe with the New York-based channel NBC.
“This is also the best time for all Vietnamese and foreign companies in Vietnam to advertise their products and services,” Toan said.
TIMELINE OF AGREEMENT TO HOST MISS UNIVERSE 2008 PAGEANT IN VIETNAM
- August: Miss Universe President Paula Mary Shugart and her Deputy Anthony Jack Santomauro toured Vietnam to survey the country and its readiness to organize the event.
- September: Vietnamese Government officially approved the plan to host Miss Universe 2008 pageant.
- October: Local organizer – UniCorp – flew to the US to discuss with the Miss Universe Organizing Committee about the pageant contract.
- November 27: Hosting contract officially signed in HCMC.
“This event is a means for us to publicize the best that Vietnam has to offer.”
Yesterday's conference was attended by Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori, the first Japanese to win the crown since 1959.
Miss Teen USA 2007 Hilary Cruz and Miss USA 2007 Rachel Smith also were present at the ceremony.
Shugart said the telecast of Miss Universe 2008 in Vietnam on the 57th anniversary of the Miss Universe Pageant will have a significant meaning to the US audience.
“Vietnam is a country rich in culture and history,” she said.
“It's not a country that lives in the past, but rather focuses on its future.”
Preparations begin
Earlier, Shugart had iterated her support for Vietnam in its bid to host the pageant, but noted that several conditions must be met before the event's panel would officially give its endorsement.
A new concert hall with 7,500 seats was required as well as 5,000 high-quality hotel rooms for contestants and visitors.
Another obstacle for promoters of the event pertains to time zone differences.
In order to broadcast live in North America's evening time zone, the pageant must be held in the morning in Vietnam.
This scheduling quirk may dissuade some Vietnamese viewers from watching the event live.
The greatest challenge for local organizers centers on their ability to meet budget and facility requirements as the competition requires a $15-million investment from Vietnamese agencies.
UniCorp has to show to its US partner that it can provide an additional $8-million to cover organizing costs ranging from the construction of the concert hall to hospitality, technical equipment, and contestant support.
Hong said the corporation will appeal to local and international businesses to mobilize funds.
The government will not assist in subsidizing the event, but UniCorp is confident it can cover the entire cost of the show.
Interview with Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori
After landing at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Miss Universe 2007 headed to the Sheraton Hotel for a press conference. Excerpts from Thanh Nien's interview with her:
Welcome to Vietnam, Miss Mori. What's your first impression about Vietnam from the airplane?
I think I am very lucky to have a chance to visit a beautiful country like Vietnam.
Before coming to Vietnam, I've heard many good things about your country.
You know, one of my neighbors in Japan is a Vietnamese woman.
I gained my first impression about Vietnam from her.
She was so sweet and kind.
Another impression about Vietnam relates to pho, the special Vietnamese dish that I have tried and enjoyed so much.
Arriving here today, I get the sense that Vietnamese people are very friendly.
Tell us about what you have accomplished since you were crowned Miss Universe 2007?
It has only been six months since I was crowned the title.
I wish I had more time to fulfill the many responsibilities of a beauty queen, such as attending charity events and traveling.
Personally, I seriously want to become a professional dancer on Broadway in New York.
What inspired such a decision?
Because I love to dance. You know, my mother is also a dancer. I began dancing at the age of 4.
Working on Broadway is my goal in the future.
But I also have another aspiration.
If I do not succeed as a dancer, I would love to become a teacher. I love teaching small kids how to dance.
What would you like to do on this short visit to Vietnam?
This is my first visit Vietnam, and I have just a few days.
Tomorrow, I will fly to Nha Trang for a press meeting.
Then I fly back to Ho Chi Minh City and already have to prepare for departure.
But I will surely return to Vietnam in July 2008 to pass the crown to the next Miss Universe.
Reported by Huong Le, Quynh Nhu
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