Miss Universe Vietnam apologizes to public for university dismissal

Miss Universe Vietnam 2023 Bui Quynh Hoa. Photo courtesy of Hoa

"We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the information," read the organizers’ statement regarding Hoa’s cessation of her academic pursuits at the university, which was published on Tuesday.

Hoa has acknowledged and accepted the decision made by the university, according to the organization. She is eager to broaden her knowledge and find avenues to enhance her personal and professional skills in the future.

"The incident was not deliberate on the part of either Hoa or ourselves," the statement continued. "We recognize Hoa’s diligent efforts and the collaboration she offered since her coronation."

The statement added that Hoa’s absence from school was primarily because she was participating in the Miss Universe contest in November last year, which conflicted with her school schedule and the initial semester’s examinations.

It also conveyed that prior to departing for the competition, the beauty queen had reached out to the university to request a leave of absence, with the hope of resuming her studies after the contest’s conclusion. Nevertheless, as a newcomer to the university, Hoa was expected to comply with the academic calendar and was unable to postpone her studies.

Hoa enrolled in the film directing program at the HCMC University of Theater and Cinema last year, committing to a four-year course of study that requires the completion of all coursework and a thesis, in addition to adhering to a strict attendance policy.

The university confirmed Hoa’s expulsion earlier this week and announced that the decision was given on March 26 due to her not attending any classes for a full semester of the 2023-2024 academic year.

This is not the first time Hoa has been involved in a controversy. She previously found herself at the center of a scandal when photographs of her inhaling nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, from her time in high school surfaced following her victory last year.

At the age of 26, Hoa has made a name for herself as a model and entrepreneur. She won the 2022 Supermodel International title and has competed in various beauty pageants prior to claiming the Miss Universe Vietnam title and representing Vietnam in the Miss Universe competition last year.