After numerous rounds of selection from a pool of contestants from around the globe, the inaugural NTD Global Chinese Beauty Pageant has crowned its first winner.
Cynthia Sun from Texas was crowned Miss NTD 2023 on Saturday night, bringing home a $10,000 cash prize, a set of 18-karat gold jewelry, and a critical mission.
As a human rights and diplomacy researcher, Ms. Sun heard many accounts of women being persecuted for their faith.
“My goal is to uphold their universal rights through government advocacy and awareness campaigns,” Ms. Sun said during her mission statement round.
NTD’s beauty pageant aims to drive a return to holistic beauty, one that’s inseparable from inner values. Accordingly, contestants were judged on both appearance and the five virtues of morality, righteousness, propriety, benevolence, and faithfulness.
“What I love about this beauty pageant is that NTD focused on traditional women values and Chinese values, which I think is so important,” Latin pop singer Sarah Prendes said.
Contestants took part in a number of performances including classical Chinese dance, flute, and Erhu, a classical Chinese instrument.
During the finals, top finalists shared their understanding of true beauty.
Wandi Zhu, fourth runner-up, spoke of her belief that “the sincere act of putting others first will allow the goodness that people will recognize as beauty shine forth in a person.”
Third runner-up Fiona Ji shared what impact she would to bring to the world.
Fiona Ji, third runner-up, said, “I wish to use my skills to share the beauty of true traditional Chinese culture with the hearts of the world’s people,” before thanking the audience in four languages.
First runner-up Vichy Zhao, also won the Best in Dancing award, while the Best in Fitness Wear award went to second runner-up Belle Meng.
NTD’s global Chinese beauty pageant winner hopes to continue promoting traditional values and inspiring others around the world.
