Student Jennifer Pham beat more than 100 other contestants to become the first Vietnamese abroad to win the 18th annual Miss Asia USA 2006 title held last week in the US.

The 21-year-old student at the California University in Irvine State has worked for four years in non-government charity organisations such as Help the Poor and Vietnam Education Foundation.

She also raised money to help victims of typhoons in the Centre of Vietnam and victims of hurricane Katrina in the US, along with many programmes aiming to help children in need.

"I will continue to participate in charity works to raise funds to help the poor and the sick in my community," Jennifer said when asked what she will do if she won.

She said the aspect she enjoyed most about the contest was answering the question, "According to you, what is the most difficult thing for young Asians growing up in the US?"

"The young Asian generation growing up in the US easily forget their origin and their mother tongue. I hope these people know they should be proud and study more about their origin and mother tongue to preserve their unique identity while they grow up in the United States," Jennifer answered.

With the title Miss Asia USA 2006, Jennifer Pham has responsibility to participate in charity activities, using her image and her position to raise funds to help Asian communities living in North America.

"After finishing courses at summer school I will return to Vietnam. Fund of charity organisations that I take part in will be used for buying books for poor children and help build a school at a remote area in Vietnam," she added.

(Source: Viet Nam News)