Laos now has their first-ever candidate for the Miss Universe pageant, Laotian model Souphaphone Somvichit. The 21-year-old made history when she was crowned as the country’s first Miss Universe representative during the event which was held at the National Convention Center in Vientiane.

@ramsita_shop official dresses sponsor for Miss Universe Laos 2017 #missuniverselaos #missuniverse #ramsita #ramsitadress #pageantdress pic.twitter.com/xFcqRPKUEt

— Tong Ramsita (@tong_ramsita) August 28, 2017

While the Business Administration Comcenter College student is now certainly prepped for the international scene, this isn’t her first time on a big stage. According to Laotian Times, Somvichit already had numerous appearances on various media outlets, including appearing in a music video and even becoming a cover girl for Mahason Magazine.

Miss Universe Laos 2017
Souphaphone Somvichith
20 years old, 178 cm#Missuniverse #MissUniverselaos #Missuniverso #Missuniverse2017 pic.twitter.com/2p9ZMYaYxf

— ปากกาชุบน้ำตาล (@FanficAlay) August 27, 2017

In fact, Somvichit managed to capture the interest of an even wider audience when she won first runner-up in the 2016 Miss Vientiane pageant. Needless to say, the newly crowned Miss Laos is used to being in the spotlight, as she now joins Cambodia’s first Miss Universe as part of this year’s historic new candidates for the prestigious Miss Universe beauty pageant.

ยินดีกับน้องนุ้ยที่ได้เป็น Miss Universe Laos คนแรกของประเทศลาว ที่จะไปแข่งขันบนเวทีใหญ่ที่สุดในจักรวาล #MissUniverse2017 #MissUniverseLaos pic.twitter.com/vBNd4psavy

— Ponsinh Toto Rebirth (@Ponsinh) August 26, 2017

In other historic pageant news, a Muslim woman became the first to wear a traditional garb known as a kaftan during the swimsuit segment of the Miss Universe Great Britain pageant. According to Independent, 27-year-old businesswoman Muna Jama wasn’t comfortable with wearing a swimsuit during the segment that required the attire, but officials allowed her to wear a “cover-up” if she wanted to.

It takes bravery, emotional resilience and most importantly surrounding yourself with strong minded people who are prepared to make great sacrifices to welcome permanent and positive change. I may not be able to unwrite a moment in my life but I know a moment will never define me. I will always rise above your expectations and pushed past your limitations. You are what you say you are, and your imaginations can be your worst enemy unless you overcome your fears. Be careful of what you think of others because it’s a reflection of what you are. Work at being a better person, and one day we can welcome a better World. This moment has proved that I am capable of almost anything I set my mind to and limitations is a status waiting to be changed. I thank everyone who stood beside me and believed in my vision. 🙏🙌❤😘😙😘😍🙆😊💓 ___ #missuniverse #mugb2017 #missuniversegb #fear #migrant #refugee #positive #change #love #modelling #friends #family #girls #pageant #empowerment #inspiration #inspire #aspire #history #munajama #caftan #kaftan #stage #london #dubai #love #indonesia #malaysia @missuniversegb Photographer @leedarephotography

A post shared by Muna Jama (@ms_munajama) on Jul 18, 2017 at 8:56am PDT

“I wouldn’t wear a bikini to a beach, so I’m not going to wear one in a competition to score points,” Jama said. Jama posted her proud moment on social media as she now feels like she’s “capable of almost anything” after her historic accomplishment.

Feature Image via Instagram / (Left) missgrandslam / (Right) missgrandslam