25 pageants a year is normal: performing arts department

"Of the 25 licensed competitions since the beginning of the year to now, eight were pushed back to this year due to Covid, three have been discontinued, so there are only 14 new competitions. This number is not much," Duong said at a meeting of the governing body Thursday.

Not too long ago, there were only two licensed national beauty pageants in a year and a few smaller ones, totaling about 12 contests per year.

Many entertainment activities, including beauty pageants, were suspended during the two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In February 2021, the Department of Performing Arts eased regulations, allowing organizers to hold events with approval from the local people's committee without the need to approach higher authorities.

To address concerns that many contests are of poor quality and violate regulations, the department has established inspection and review teams in a number of locations.

Tran Ly Ly, Director of the Performing Arts Department, said on sidelines of the meeting though some limitations have been seen, "there is no denying the positive contributions of a number of well-organized" events "honoring the beauty of culture and people," recording "high international achievements."

Ly also said that one of the strongest sanctions against individuals and organizations in the performing arts is a critical public, which contributes to eliminating negativity and honoring values.

A series of beauty pageants are to be held from now until the end of the year, including: Miss World Vietnam (August 12); Miss Peace Vietnam (September 11); Miss Grand Vietnam (September 25); Miss Vietnam Sea and Island (October 22); Miss Supranational Vietnam (October 22); Miss Vietnam (expected date December 15); and Miss Earth Vietnam (December 30).