The surprising journey from ordinary girl to runner-up

- From not being in the top 6 at Cosmo camp, what lessons did Cam Ly learn about herself and what specific strategies does she have for the final stage to enter the top 2?

Not being able to make it into the top 6 was a big regret for me, because it was an opportunity to show myself to the judges and the audience. The biggest lesson is that I need to be bolder and more decisive.

Looking back, I tried my best but in some situations, if I had dared to break out more, the result could have been different. I believe everything happens for a reason - so that I can learn a lesson for the most important stage.

During the semi-finals and finals, I told myself, "It's the end, there's nothing left to lose." Even during the finals, I performed skills that I had never fully practiced on stage. Believing in my diligence and effort helped me break through.

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Runner-up Cam Ly in the evening gown performance.

- What moment in this journey did you feel most meaningful?

The happy thing is that when I sit here in my new role, looking back on the journey, I see that I have tried my best. Even if I don't get the title, I have no regrets because I gave it all.

Initially, Do Cam Ly’s name was not in the media’s predictions. But near the end, my seniors recognized my journey and put me on the prediction list, creating great motivation.

Untold stories behind the crown

- In the final round of performance, you were praised for your confidence and clarity. What is your secret to staying calm on the big stage?

Looking back, I was surprised at how calm I was that night. My biggest weakness is being hasty. So before going on stage, I always remind myself to calm down and take deep breaths.

The key is to be well prepared. To stay calm, you need to know where you are, who you are with, and what you are facing. I prepare for all possible situations. This helps me listen to the question, catch the key words, and answer accurately.

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Cam Ly chose to respond bilingually at the Miss Universe Vietnam final.

Cam Ly answers behavioral questions:

- Were there any funny moments during the preparation for the contest?

There were many cute moments during the 3 months of preparation. I always promised to lose weight to look better on stage, aiming to lose 5kg but in the end only lost 1kg. When I entered the competition, the crew discovered that I really liked to eat, even though I tried to hide it.

In particular, a group of university friends secretly organized a trip to Nha Trang to support me in the final night without prior notice. I only found out when they posted a story later.

- Sharing a room with Phuong Linh, what did you learn?

I was very lucky to live with Ms. Phuong Linh from the beginning. She is 4 years older than me and has experience studying abroad, so she has many valuable experiences.

What I learned the most was the ability to filter information. As a new runner-up, I became a public figure and would face many conflicting opinions. If I did not know how to filter, this could affect me and my relationships.

Having learned this lesson, I am now very comfortable with public comments. I believe that Vietnamese audiences are civilized and know how to look at issues from many angles.

Cam Ly and Phuong Linh in the contest:

Taking a photo with my grandmother and being mistaken for my mother

- The audience often sees you as active and sociable, but you also like reading books and watching the sea. What is Cam Ly like when she is alone?

The public Cam Ly is my real self - active and sociable. However, I love the sea very much. Near the sea, I feel healed and see the vast world .

As for reading, this is a new hobby when I went to university. Inspired by Ms. Bui Xuan Hanh, I started with books like The Promise of the Pencil, Two Fates. For the first time, I understood the feeling of reading a book and forgetting about time.

When I am alone, I am very quiet to accumulate energy. However, I only spend 1/3 of my time alone, the rest is to communicate with people.

- Can you share a specific memory with your family that has been a source of motivation for you and how you apply those lessons when you encounter difficulties in life?

My mother is very disciplined and perfectionist but in a good way. I learned perfectionism - when something gets 8 points, I still want to do better. This sometimes puts pressure but also pushes me to improve.

The most important value my mother taught me was to be kind to others, to myself, and in everything I do. When we are kind, others will treat us kindly.

- How did your family react when you won the runner-up title?

Mom always told me: "You don't need pressure. Your parents don't require you to achieve high titles. If you do, it's an extra opportunity. If not, you'll still have lessons and new friends."

When I was crowned, the moment I met my parents on stage was very emotional. My father kept a serious expression but I saw the pride in his eyes, my mother ran to hug me. There was a funny situation when a news site posted a photo but mistook my grandmother for my mother.

- Have you ever made a mistake that affected others? How did those experiences help you grow?

For a 21-year-old girl, there are certainly small mistakes, but fortunately I have not had to face big mistakes. Thanks to the guidance of my parents and always focusing on my family, I have a clear direction.

Entering a new chapter as a runner-up, I will have to live away from my family more. I hope to maintain my nature when facing a new environment.

There is a saying that I really like: "It is not when you are successful that you have value, but when you are not successful, that is the value of life". I will always keep myself so as not to be ashamed of my family and the title of runner-up.

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Cam Ly has a small passion for singing but currently considers it just a hobby.

- With the title of runner-up, what are your plans for the future?

In the immediate future, I want to work closely with the Miss Universe Vietnam organization to build a suitable direction. I believe the organization always creates conditions for beauty queens and runners-up to develop in the right direction.

I have a small passion for singing but currently only consider it a hobby. To participate in MV or movies, I need to practice more.

Regarding business, my family is in business so I also love this field. My major is diplomacy , so in the future I want to learn more about business and continue my education path.

Photo, video : MCOVN

'Dark horse' Do Cam Ly: From 27.3 university entrance exam scores to Miss Universe Vietnam runner-up Do Cam Ly (candidate number 376) - a 4th year student majoring in International Relations at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City, has just been crowned Miss Universe Vietnam 2025 runner-up.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/a-hau-do-cam-ly-do-khoc-do-cuoi-chup-anh-voi-ba-ngoai-bi-nham-thanh-me-2415642.html