While children’s versions of reality TV shows are not uncommon, even beauty contests like Miss Universe also have their own pageant for little contestants.

The 2018 Little Miss Universe, taking place in Antalya, Turkey from May 4 to 10, named Ngoc Lan Vy, a 13-year-old representative from Vietnam, as winner in the grand finale.

The 1.72m tall Vietnamese girl defeated contestants from 60 countries to win the hearts of more than 20 jury members before being given the crown.

She was the first-ever Vietnamese to win the contest.

The young beauty was also bestowed with the “Best Evening Gown” and “Social Media Choice” titles.

The Little Miss Universe is an international beauty contest for under-18 children with a history of 17 years.

Upon returning to Ho Chi Minh City on May 17, the 2018 Little Miss Universe shared with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper how she chose to participate in the contest, and how she felt at the winning moment.

Vy, a seventh grader at an international school in Ho Chi Minh City, said she had burst into tears when her name was called out as the winner.

“Even now I still cannot believe it,” she said.

“I took the courage to sign up for the competition from the belief that success will come to you if you are determined and dedicated."

Vy was nominated to represent not only her country but also the whole of Southeast Asia at the contest in Turkey by Trinh Tu Trung, country director of Little Miss Universe in Vietnam.

“Ngoc Lan Vy has multiple strengths, such as her height, physique strength, virtuous face, good knowledge and great performance skills, to shine at the contest,” Trung explained.

Ngoc Lan Vy is seen with Trinh Tu Trung, country director of Little Miss Universe in Vietnam at the Little Miss Universe contest in Antalya, Turkey in this supplied photo.

In 2016 Vy was also the only Asian representative to take part in Little Supermodel, an annual contest held by the International Modeling & Talent Association, in New York.

As the 2018 Little Miss Universe, Vy will represent the contest to protect the rights of children all over the world, and promote the image of children and the country of Vietnam to international friends.

But her immediate task is to complete the final term examination.

Her mother, Chi Nguyen, said that the girl only agrees to take part in events or performances with meaningful activities on weekends or in her free time.

“My family decides that study must be the top priority of my daughter,” the mother said.

“We do not want to have her engage too much in show business.”

Ngoc Lan Vy is seen at the Little Miss Universe contest in Antalya, Turkey in this supplied photo.

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