Myanmar’s first beauty pageant in over 50 years held in Yangon, Oct. 3

Miss Universe Myanmar Moe Sat Wine poses for photos after winning the crown at the Miss Myanmar Universe 2013 pageant in Yangon, Myanmar, Oct. 3, 2013. An initial local beauty pageant Miss Myanmar Universe on Thursday was launched at National Theater in Yangon to select a contestant for the annual Miss Universe beauty contest to be held in Moscow of Russia. (Xinhua/NEWSis)

An initial local beauty pageant Miss Myanmar Universe on Thursday was launched at National Theater in Yangon to select a contestant for the annual Miss Universe beauty contest to be held in Moscow of Russia. Miss Myanmar Universe, organized by Hello Madam Media Group in Myanmar, will be participated by a total of 20 contestants and only one winner will be chosen for competing in final contest.

This is the first time Myanmar competes in Miss Universe beauty contest in over 50 years. Than Than Aye was the first representative of Myanmar to participate in Miss Universe beauty pageant in 1959, followed by Myint Myint May in 1960 and Myint Myint Khin in 1961. Miss Universe 2013, the 62nd Miss Universe pageant, will be held on Nov. 9 2013 at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow of Russia.

Contestants participate in Miss Myanmar Universe 2013 pageant in Yangon, Myanmar, Oct. 3, 2013. An initial local beauty pageant Miss Myanmar Universe on Thursday was launched at National Theater in Yangon to select a contestant for the annual Miss Universe beauty contest to be held in Moscow of Russia. (Xinhua/NEWSsi)

Olivia Culpo, Miss Universe 2012 from the United States, will crown her successor at the end of the event. (Xinhua/NEWSis)