The selection process of candidates for the Miss Grand Cambodia 2022 Pageant has been expanded beyond previous events. Organisers have increased the number of contestants to represent more provinces and cities and will include seven candidates with Khmer roots who live abroad.
According to an official announcement, this year’s celebration of beauty will feature 35 candidates who will represent each of the capital and provinces, as well as international competitors of Cambodian descent from Vietnam, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, France, the US and Canada.
In Sophin, general director of Mohahang Company, which has held the rights to the pageant since 2020, explained the reasoning behind the changes.
“We want people with Cambodian parents living abroad to participate in this competition, because the world should know that not all Cambodians live in their homeland. No matter where they live, they are a part of the Cambodian people, and are free to represent the Kingdom. Whether from Kampuchea Krom or Surin, Paris or Wellington, we are waiting to welcome them to the pageant,” he told The Post.
“The main purpose of the expansion is to showcase the spirit of friendship and solidarity of Cambodians living in the country and those living abroad. We will show the people of the Kingdom the beauty of their sisters living overseas,” he added.
Pokimtheng Sothida, winner of the Miss Grand Cambodia 2021 crown, shared her optimism and experience to the next generation of contestants.
“Although the task of representing Cambodia is almost completed, I am still very proud. Although the road was full of obstacles, criticism, discouragement and sometimes even contempt, I brought my country’s name to the international stage. It taught me to be strong and I tell myself to keep going,” she said.
“Even though a small number of people tried to pull me down and criticised me, I still shared something good with the world; my country is full of love and the warmest respect. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have done so. I hope that the next generation will be strong, courageous and will achieve their dreams,” she added.
The top five contestants in the pageant will have the opportunity to represent Cambodia in various international competitions.
The winner will represent Cambodia in the 2022 Miss Grand international competition, while the 1st runner-up will take part in the Miss Supranational event. The 2nd runner-up will be entered in the Miss Global spectacle, while the 3rd and 4th runners-up will participate in the Miss InterGlobal and Miss Polo events, respectively.
The deadline for entries is July 15. From July 16 to 20, a panel will select 50 entrants, and then vote to determine the final 35.
A July 25 press conference will present them to the public, and by August 1, the 15 finalists will be selected, ready for the event to begin.
On August 22, the swimsuit competition will take place. A national costume contest will be held on August 24, with a preliminary final the following day. One special woman will be crowned winner at the August 27 final.
This year’s crown has also been revealed. A luxurious design, it is worth almost $250,000. Sothida, the current Miss Grand Cambodia, has just received a new crown, valued at $30,000.
