Miss Southeast Asia 2015 began on September 24 and will conclude on October 3 in Malaysia. The contest  includes representatives from nine Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnamese model Nguyen Thi Quynh Nga.

Standing 1.71 m tall,  Nguyen has confirmed the necessary procedure to get a permit from the relevant body, the Performing Arts Department under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, to represent Vietnam in the contest.

Nguyen told local media that her invitation letter came late and that she did not have time to seek permission from culture officials.

Her spokesperson told that the organizers had remunerated for her air tickets and accommodation so she decided to join the contest, despite a possible cash fine.

Nguyen is willing to obtain penalties when coming back to Vietnam, the spokesperson said.

According to officials,  they will make a decision on the case soon.

As per the Vietnam’s official laws, those who want to participate in beauty pageants abroad, must have at least one national title and must grant permission from the culture ministry.

However, as the maximum cash charge is only VND30 million, or $1,400, and a three-month working ban, a number of models have broken the rules over the past few years, in hopes of winning an international title to give themselves a career hike in Vietnam.

In previous year’s Miss Tourism Queen International, a Vietnamese contestant was found breaking the rule. Dieu Linh was charged VDN22.3 million, after winning the contest.