Gen Z beauty queens and runners-up talk about artificial intelligence and 'canvas lifestyle'

The most beautiful girls of the beauty pageant finale surprised and moved the audience when they talked about family affection in the era of artificial intelligence and technology.

This is the Miss SIU contest of Saigon International University in 2025, with the theme "Gen Z in the digital age", with the final round taking place on the evening of April 12.

From left to right: 1st runner-up Mai Nguyen Song Thu (Hotel Management), Miss SIU Trang Gia Han (English Language) and 2nd runner-up Tran Thi Thanh Thao (English Language)

PHOTO: TRAN THUAT

Passing the preliminary and semi-final rounds, the 14 best contestants entered the final night, participating in the performances of Vietnamese costumes, ao dai, and evening gowns.

Keep conversations offline

10 beautiful girls were chosen to compete in the presentation round with the question "As a generation of Gen Z in the digital age, what message do you want to convey?", giving not only sharp but also touching arguments when talking about the most sacred emotion, which is family affection, which is being threatened by technology.

Dang Thuy Hien (logistics and supply chain management) shared: "As a young person growing up amidst the rapid changes of technology, social networks and the flat world, that does not mean we only live in the virtual world. Gen Z not only shares trends, but also shares interests, not only pursues personal success but also aspires to contribute the best things to the community and society."

Thuy Hien believes that technology is just a tool, humans are the main subject. Therefore, take advantage of social networks to share positive values, use artificial intelligence to develop yourself.

"Also, don't forget to spend time with family and friends, with conversations that don't need wifi. Consider technology not just a tool but also a heart."

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Candidates gracefully in the Ao Dai competition

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Female student Tran Thi Thanh Thao (English major) mentioned the phrase "healing" to talk about the impacts of social networks and technology on Gen Z.

Thao affirmed that social networks and the internet open countless doors but also pose unprecedented challenges.

"One of the pressing issues is mental health. Every day we face pressures from society and constant self-comparison. 'Healing' is a journey that young people seem to have to go through to regain balance, love, respect themselves and especially find the voice of their soul," Thanh Thao commented.

Meanwhile, contestant Truong Thuy Anh (majoring in business administration) said that she grew up with technology so she clearly understands that her generation is the bridge connecting tradition with modernity, between national cultural identity and world knowledge.

"Technology is the bridge, but it is the soul that touches people. No matter how much worldly knowledge we learn, humility, compassion and Vietnamese cultural identity are the roots," Thuy Anh shared.

Technology is not flawed

In the behavioral round, Tran Thi Thanh Thao continued to show confidence in two languages ​​when presenting her views on the 'canvas lifestyle' of young people.

"What do you think about the phenomenon of some people living a fake life to embellish their virtual value on the internet?" was the question the judges asked Thao.

The female student confidently argued: "The phenomenon of 'living on canvas' is actually a very normal phenomenon for me, it's just being exaggerated. I think that each of us has the right to share our moments on social networks and I believe that it's not bad, we're just showing everyone how happy we are living on social networks." With this answer, Thanh Thao became the second runner-up of the contest.

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Evening gown competition

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With the question "People think that due to modern technology, the young generation is gradually losing connection with their families, the generation gap is getting bigger and bigger, what is your perspective on this issue?", Mai Nguyen Song Thu (hotel management major) was not "troubled" at all.

Thu believes that the development of technology helps us to chat and connect with loved ones and friends who are far away easily. "However, because of that convenience, many young people gradually become distant from their families because they feel that only virtual friends online can truly connect with them. The problem is not due to the development of technology but rather that we do not understand it enough," Thu acknowledged.

What Gen Z should do, according to Thu, is to use technology properly and at the right time to become a supporting tool to connect love with family. This answer helped Mai Nguyen Song Thu win the first runner-up position.

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Miss SIU Truong Gia Han

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The title of beauty queen belonged to English language student Truong Gia Han after the behavioral question "With the strong development of artificial intelligence (AI), are you worried about your career future and why?".

Gia Han convinced the judges with her answer: "AI is a tool for self-development, not a factor that completely replaces humans. We are not sure how far society will develop in the future, but I believe that in any era, feelings and emotions between people are still the most important. Therefore, when doing any job, if we put our heart into it, we are not dry and mechanical like AI, then we will still succeed."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hoa-khoi-a-khoi-gen-z-noi-ve-tri-tue-nhan-tao-va-loi-song-phong-bat-185250413113409777.htm