2008 is a pivotal turning-point in her life. After being crowned the second runner up in Miss Universe Vietnam, she was chosen to represent the nation to compete in the 58^th Miss World pageant held in Johannesburg, South Africa in late December 2008 and earned the “Miss People’s Choice Award” thanks to the votes of citizens. In addition, she was dubbed the lady with the longest drive in golf.

The beauty was not unused to high profile beauty contests as she had won the third prize for her ‘festive dress’ at a competition organised by the International Modelling and Talent Association in New York in August, 2008. In addition, she was among the top 15 models who won ‘best bodies of the year’ and she received two honourary medals for her performance in the swimsuit and make-up rounds at the same event.

With the above achievements, Miss Thien Ly racked up 51 points, putting Vietnam in 48^th place out of 116 on the “Grand Slam” Ranking of the website GlobalBeauties in 2008, increasing by 7 places compared to 2007.

Ly, a 19-year-old girl from the southern province of Dong Thap, brought Vietnam’s graceful and dynamic beauty to the world. She finished her first year in communications at San Francisco’s Saint Mary’s College. Talking about her dreams, Thien Ly expressed her desire to obtain an MA degree after college. She believes that beauty can last forever along with intelligence.

Having studied in the US for a long time, she has been greatly influenced by American culture. However, she still loves the lifestyle and culture of Vietnam.

To carry out her mission as the first runner-up, Thien Ly has decided to continue studying in the US next term and to join in charity and art activities in Vietnam. She has paid a great deal of attention to tourism, cinema, wishing to be an environmental ambassador.