Vietnam will be represented by supermodel Vo Hoang Yen at Miss Universe 2009 on Paradise Island, Bahamas in August.

“We have tried to help Yen prepare for the contest as quickly as possible, including development of skills in international communication, posing in front of cameras, make-up, dancing, tourism knowledge and English language,” said Le Diem Ly, deputy marketing director of Hoan Vu Joint Stock Company, which has the authority to send a Vietnamese contestant to the Miss Universe contest.

Several fashion designers have been contacted by the company to provide special costumes for 21-year-old Yen to take with her. Ly further said the costumes would be especially designed to enhance Yen’s unique style and beauty.

The company is currently navigating through the visa process for the beauty queen, who plans to arrive in the Bahamas on August 1 st .

“I have been given a lot of help in preparation. Now I’m concentrating on sharpening those skills,” Yen said.

Yen is a famed model in the country. She stands at 1.79m tall, weighs 54kg and measures 90-62-92. She won the Gold Supermodel Prize 2008 and was first runner-up at the Vietnam Universe 2008 contest.

“We decided to choose Yen, because not only was she the first runner-up at Miss Universe Vietnam 2008, but she also holds herself well in a performance. She has strong self-belief and will be ready for the contest,” Ly said.

Sixty-nine contestants throughout the world have signed up to compete at Miss Universe 2009 to be held from August 2 to 23./.