Minh Khoi
The grand finale of Miss Cosmo 2024 took place on October 5 in Ho Chi Minh City, with 57 contestants competing for the coveted crown. Ketut Permata Juliastrid from Indonesia emerged as the winner, marking a proud moment for the 21-year-old beauty from Bali.
Standing at 1.74 meters, Ketut Permata Juliastrid is a student of applied design at the Bali Institute of Design and Business. Her consistent performance throughout the competition, along with her poised demeanor, won the hearts of fans and judges alike.
The Miss Cosmo crown, designed to symbolize community and sustainability, was awarded to her after a flawless display of confidence, intellect, and cultural pride.
Vietnam’s representative, Bùi Xuan Hanh, secured a spot in the Top 5 after a strong showing in the swimsuit, evening gown, and interview rounds.
Xuan Hanh, who won Miss Universe Vietnam in 2023, has spent the past year improving her skills and physical appearance, proving her critics wrong. Her top 5 finish was met with enthusiastic support from local fans, further cementing her place as one of Vietnam’s top beauty queens.
Top performances and notable moments
The night opened with a high-energy performance by international star Shontelle, with 56 contestants gracing the stage in green and black outfits.
The top 21 finalists were then revealed, including Vietnam’s Xuan Hanh, Indonesia’s Ketut Permata Juliastrid, and other strong contenders from countries like Thailand, the Philippines, and the United States.
During the swimsuit segment, contestants displayed their toned physiques and confidence, earning cheers from the audience. Xuan Hanh, alongside other favorites, demonstrated poise and elegance, advancing to the Top 10.
The top 5 contestants - Indonesia, Peru, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam - proceeded to the interview round, where they were asked about topics ranging from cultural preservation to sustainability.
Xuan Hanh spoke about the importance of successful individuals giving back to their communities, offering opportunities for others to rise through hard work and perseverance.
In the final question-and-answer session, Ketut Permata Juliastrid tackled the issue of plastic pollution in the oceans, showcasing her knowledge of environmental sustainability. Her eloquent response and clear vision for promoting recycling efforts helped solidify her win.
Thailand’s Karnruethai Tassabut finished as the first runner-up after delivering a compelling speech on land preservation and sustainable farming practices.