From ‘humble’ beginnings to future daughter-in-law of Vietnam’s richest billionaire: Beauty queen Nguyen Phuong Nhi’s story

“My family is not wealthy; we are just well-off, and my parents run a small business,” she once shared. “From childhood, my parents provided me with everything I needed, but I didn’t have anything overly extravagant or expensive. They always encouraged me to focus on my studies so that I could earn what I wanted in the future.”

Nhi’s father Nguyen Van Dong and mother Doan Thi Nguyet operate a household goods store in Thanh Hoa City, where the family lives in a spacious two-story house in the city center. The beauty queen is the younger of two siblings, with an older brother.

Known for her close bond with her parents, Nhi has expressed gratitude for being raised to be independent and responsible for her decisions from a young age, a foundation she credits for her maturity.

Her parents, whom Nhi described as “low-tech” in the past, rarely used social media or technology for entertainment, instead devoting themselves to work. However, after her participation in the 2022 Miss World Vietnam contest and her achievement as second runner-up, they became more familiar with technology. They began following news articles and online updates about her, even watching YouTube programs and events featuring her.

“All of my success is thanks to the upbringing and guidance of my parents,” she said.

Nhi revealed that her mother once dreamed of pursuing a career in the arts but was unable to fulfill it. She sees her own accomplishments as a way to honor her mother’s unfulfilled aspirations. After work trips, Nhi frequently returns to Thanh Hoa to visit her family, where her mother greets her with warm hugs and words of encouragement to keep striving.

Her mother also advised her to focus on personal growth and career development rather than marrying early.

Pham Nhat Minh Hoang (L), the to Vietnam's richest billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, and his fiancée Nguyen Phuong Nhi, the second runner-up of the 2022 Miss World Vietnam pageant. Photo by Read' staff reporters

At 23, Nhi represented Vietnam at the 2023 Miss International contest, where she placed in the top 15.

Her fiancé Hoang, 25, is the head of an automobile company. His father Pham Nhat Vuong has a net worth of $4.1 billion as of Jan. 17, according to Forbesmaking him the richest man in Vietnam.

The couple’s engagement ceremony took place on Wednesday in Thanh Hoa City under tight security, with a team of bodyguards present.

It is reported that the couple has known each other for a long time.