The 36th annual Mrs. Asia USA beauty pageant, a major event in the Asian American beauty industry in North America, took place on November 16 (Friday) at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles County. Two women from Taiwan swept nine special awards, with the flag of the Republic of China waving inside the venue as the audience cheered for Taiwan.
The highest honor, “Mrs. Asia USA,” was awarded to Angela Kang, who is the 71st generation descendant of Confucius. Born in Boston, Kang is a former professional figure skater. After retiring from her sports career, she pursued training in traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture, obtained her professional license, and has been practicing in Irvine for 15 years.
Kang stated that the inspiration for her cultural attire comes from her favorite TV show, saying, “I admire the royal elegance displayed in the series, so I asked the styling team to create a powerful image based on this concept.” As she made her entrance slowly from behind a sedan chair, accompanied by drummers and lion dancers, the audience erupted in cheers.
Kang also shared the special significance of competing with the flag of the Republic of China: “This is a tribute to my roots, as both my parents were born in Taiwan and instilled in me a love for Taiwanese culture from a young age.” She hopes to use her status as a winner to represent Taiwan on the world stage.
Taking off the crown of “Mrs. Asia International” and winning the prize for an interview on the cover of an international fashion magazine was Wang Zhengyi, who currently resides in Cupertino, Northern California. Over a hundred friends and relatives from various parts of California came to the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center to cheer him on. They waved the flag of the Republic of China, brought posters, cheer banners, and gas horns, creating a fervent support group whose cheers added to the pageantry of the beauty competition.
Wang Zhengyi appeared in a cultural attire that combined traditional and innovative elements, showcasing exquisite embroidery that integrated indigenous patterns and elements from various Taiwanese ethnic cultures, complemented by handmade silver phoenix crowns, perfectly embodying Taiwan’s rich and diverse culture. He believes that 2024 is a year full of positive energy and sees beauty pageants as not just an end but a new starting point for serving society. He will serve as a “Taiwan-US civilian ambassador,” promoting Taiwan’s soft power in mainstream American society through his expertise in the semiconductor industry, passion for Taiwanese indigenous cultures, and extensive travel experiences in Taiwan.
Accompanied throughout the competition by her husband Yang Xinning, who stated, “Whether she wins or not, our entire family is proud of her.” Wang Zhengyi’s two children, Yang Xikun and Yang Xiang’an, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Mom has shown the professional and elegant qualities of Asian professional women. Her courage to challenge and influence is admirable and worth learning from.”
Since registering in June this year, Wang Zhengyi has undergone a series of rigorous training. Despite juggling between work, family, organizations, community service, and foundation work, she has never complained of fatigue. Yang Xinning believes that the main reason his wife enjoys it is that participating not only brings personal glory but also carries the mission of speaking up for Taiwan.
The 2024 Mrs. Asia USA beauty pageant was won by a Vietnamese beauty queen. Sixteen-year-old Taiwanese-American Huang Yinzhen, although not winning an award in the Miss Teen category, gained valuable friendships and experience. This competition not only displayed the unique elegance and strength of Taiwanese women but also wrote a bright chapter in Taiwan-US cultural exchange.