Beauty Pageants in Laos See Growing Popularity, but Face Language and Cultural Challenges
Miss Universe Laos sparks renewed interest, but hurdles remain in achieving international recognition
Laos has long celebrated beauty pageants like Miss Luang Prabang and Miss Lao New Year, but the country’s online presence in the global beauty scene lagged until recently. While Miss Universe Laos made its international debut in 2016, the event only gained widespread online visibility after 2022, thanks to contestants like Payengxa Lor, who placed in the top 10 at Miss Universe 2022, boosting interest in beauty competitions across the nation.
Despite this surge in popularity, challenges remain. Language barriers and cultural shyness hinder many Lao women from gaining international recognition in pageants. National Director Aaron Bouphapraseuth noted that while some contestants receive English training, it often falls short in preparing them for the global stage. Additionally, organizational hurdles, including a lack of government backing for certain pageants, complicate efforts to host these events.
Nevertheless, beauty queens like Payengxa Lor are embracing their roles as societal leaders, using their platform to influence positive change and inspire a new generation of Lao women.
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Despite this surge in popularity, challenges remain. Language barriers and cultural shyness hinder many Lao women from gaining international recognition in pageants. National Director Aaron Bouphapraseuth noted that while some contestants receive English training, it often falls short in preparing them for the global stage. Additionally, organizational hurdles, including a lack of government backing for certain pageants, complicate efforts to host these events.
Nevertheless, beauty queens like Payengxa Lor are embracing their roles as societal leaders, using their platform to influence positive change and inspire a new generation of Lao women.
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