——The 3rd Annual Princess Of Asia Announced Its 2025 Royal Court and Runway Winners
By Shuhui & Elizabeth
"Her robe flows like drifting clouds so light, Her face outshines the blossoms bright. Spring’s breeze caresses the painted rail, While dewdrops weave a beauty frail." —— From Qing Ping Diao by Li Bai
Li Bai was a renowned Chinese poet of the Tang Dynasty, known for his romantic and imaginative style. These verses describe a woman’s beauty as so radiant that even clouds and flowers seem to admire and emulate her elegance. These verses are perfect to set the mood for the 3rd Annual Princess Of Asia Pageant and Runway Competition.
On the first weekend of February 2025, as the Year of Snake ushered in, Minnesota remained locked in a frosty embrace of ice and snow. Yet, inside the Mall of America, a vibrant spirit of spring and festive joy filled the air. The 3rd Annual Princess Of Asia Pageant unfolded like a dazzling spectacle, showcasing the elegance of Eastern beauty on the stage of North America’s largest shopping mall. With confidence and charm, the contestants shined brightly, bringing warmth and brilliance to the heart of winter.
Established in 2023, the Princess Of Asia Pageant (www.princessofasia.org) set out to be more than just a beauty competition. The purpose of Princess Of Asia is to help participants to gain leadership, self-confidence, and valuable communication skills. It aims to challenge stereotypes and honor the true diversity of Asian Americans. Princess Of Asia serves as a platform to showcase cultural heritage and strengthen bonds among Asian communities. It offers the American public a unique window into the richness of Asian culture.
Compared to previous two years, the biggest highlight of 2025 Princess Of Asia was the increased diversity among the participants. They came from various ethnic backgrounds, including Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, Filipino, Cambodian, Korean, and African American (for the runway competition). With contestants of various ethnic backgrounds and age groups coming together, this two-year-old program reached an exciting new milestone, showcasing the rich and diverse cultures of Asian ethnic groups on a broader stage.
Just like in the previous two years, 2025 Princess Of Asia continued to use four key areas of competition: community service, evening gown presentation, self-introduction, and on-stage questions. The contestants were evaluated for their overall qualities. From outward elements like posture, appearance, and stage confidence to inner qualities such as cultural depth and talent expression; from personal interests and hobbies to a greater sense of social responsibility, the contestants used their confidence and talent to define the true meaning of beauty, presenting a spectacular cultural feast with grace and elegance.
The evening gown presentation was undoubtedly the most dazzling moment of the day. Each contestant, adorned in exquisite attire, graced the stage alongside their gallant escorts. With steps as light as the wind and smiles as radiant as blossoms, they exuded confidence and elegance, each unveiling their unique charm. Meanwhile, the dashing escorts, clad in impeccably tailored suits, brought an air of refinement and playful charm, infusing the stage with energy and grace. With seamless harmony, they complemented the contestants, weaving together a breathtaking performance that captured the essence of Eastern aesthetics in its most enchanting form.
Notably, the 2025 Princess Of Asia Pageant introduced multiple Best Escort Awards based on age groups, marking a significant increase from the previous year. Only one Best Escort was awarded in 2024. To showcase their public speaking skills, all escorts answered a question on stage, with final awards given to those who exhibited a gentlemanly demeanor, confident charm, and a deep appreciation for Asian culture. Whether through seamless interactions with contestants or lighthearted humor to ease their nerves, these escorts captivated the audience with rounds of applause and laughter.
A thrilling new addition this year was the Runway Competition, an optional independent event open to contestants of all ages, genders, and both Asian and non-Asian backgrounds. It provided a dynamic platform for participants to showcase their unique style, whether through high-fashion couture or traditional cultural attire. With confidence and energy, each contestant captivated the audience with their striking presence and expressive movements. The competition infused the event with a vibrant sense of fashion and individuality, elevating the atmosphere with excitement and charm, drawing enthusiastic applause, and capturing the attention of countless spectators.
To ensure fairness, professionalism, and transparency, the organizers invited distinguished figures from Minnesota’s fashion and cultural communities to serve as judges. The esteemed panel included Modoh Wanda, former Miss Minnesota Supermodel and president of African Fashion Week Minnesota, Fiona Wahlgren, reigning National American Miss Minnesota, Sia Her, Executive Director of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, as well as Nanette Yurecko, a renowned educator, former NFL cheerleader, and former pageant champion. With their expertise, the judges provided insightful critiques on the contestants’ stage performances, evaluating them with a keen professional eye. They highly praised the participants for their confidence, talent, and strong sense of social responsibility, further elevating the competition’s prestige and impact.
Led by Amelia Cui, host of the 2025 Lunar New Year celebrations, the 2024 Princess Of Asia queens, Annie Bai and Hannah Mai Doan, took center stage as the masters of ceremony for this year’s competition. Their radiant presence and poised, engaging hosting style infused the event with youthful energy and charm. Adding to the excitement, the 2024 Best Escort, Lucas Brauer, made a surprise appearance, stepping into the role of guest host for the selection of this year’s Best Escort Awards. The crowning ceremony was nothing short of dazzling, with an illustrious lineup of reigning queens of many pageant systems gracing the stage. The six 2024 Princess Of Asia queens, along with National American Miss Minnesota, Miss Hmong Minnesota, Lifetime Queen of Global United, and other distinguished titleholders, took part in the coronation. Adorned in stunning gowns and glittering crowns, they illuminated the stage with their elegance. As they bestowed the new titles upon the winners, waves of applause and cheers erupted from the audience, elevating the night to its grand and unforgettable climax.
After a thrilling competition, six extraordinary young women emerged as the 2025 Princess Of Asia winners, standing out among a dazzling array of talented contestants. Under the gaze of a jubilant audience gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year, they were crowned in a moment of triumph—not only inheriting the radiant crowns from their 2024 predecessors but also embracing the weight of a profound responsibility. In the year ahead, they will grace cultural events, volunteer for charitable causes, and serve as ambassadors for the rich and diverse Asian heritage in Minnesota. More than just symbols of beauty, they are storytellers, community advocates, and catalysts for change—using their grace, wisdom, talent, and sense of duty to inspire progress and foster a world where diversity thrives in harmony.
The beauty of confidence knows no time limits, and a vibrant life has no boundaries. As the 2024 Princesses Of Asia queens concluded their reigns, their brilliance endures, and their passion remains as strong as ever. Whether embracing the crown and its responsibilities or gracefully transitioning back to everyday life as past queens, each titleholder carriers a lasting legacy. May they always shine with talent and grace, continue to champion Asian culture, amplify the voices of their communities, and forever serve as radiant ambassadors of Asian heritage.
Announcement of 2025 Princess Of Asia Winners
Queens
Alana Rand
Charlotte Vang
Amber Loh
Alexis Sway
Klarissa Yu
Marianna Xiong
Best Escorts
Jakob Obermaier
Carter Anderson
Oliver Hickey
Lucas Lim
Runway Winners
Charlotte Vang
Carter Anderson
Lukas Brauer
Selena Yang
Community Service Awards
Allison Anderson
Selena Yang
Rising Stars
Avianna Draeger-Wang
Allison Anderson
Ilana Luo
Selena Yang
Jakob Obermaier
Spirit Awards
Madison Lee
Elizabeth Tang
Katelynn Tran
Elaine Liu
Melody Walker
Special Thanks (In alphabetic order)
Co-organizers
Alliance of Minnesota Chinese Organizations
Confidence Building Academy of Minnesota
Vietnamese Community of Minnesota
Creative Team
Shuhui Wang, Elizabeth Wilcox, Li Zhang
Gold Sponsors
Chan’s Consulting, LLC
Welwe Hearty Foods, LLC
Silver Sponsors
Anna Wan Photography
Jijun He Photography
Karen Xiao
Shanghai Market Oriental Food
Xun Li
Bronze Sponsors
Bethel University Summer Piano Camp
Eon Beauty
Jenney Kay Beauty
Khaase Photography
Mayline Haircut and Color
Supporting Sponsors
90 Wishes Press-On Nails
American-SE-OnlineEnglish
Chloe by Vincent Restaurant
EaTo Restaurant
Legendary Spice Restaurant
Rhinestones Unlimited
Model Sponsor
African Fashion Week Minnesota
Glamour Star Models and Talent
Venue Sponsor
Dance With Us America
Kangle Adult Daycare Center
Mall of America
Media Sponsor
China Insight
China Tribune
Award Presenters
Karen Xiao, Tri Tang
Award Presenter Assistant
Kailyn Jiang
Crowning Helpers
2024 Princess Of Asia Queens:
Lydia Speedling, Anna Liu, Hannah Mai Doan, Zitian Chen, Annie Bai, Li Zhang
Olivia Gonzalez (National American Miss Minnesota Pre-Teen)
Olivia Kiai (National American Miss Minnesota Teen)
Melissa Redzuan (Lifetime Queen at Global United Pageant)
Gaosheng Thao (Miss Hmong Wisconsin 1st Princess 2024)
Gao Ja Yang (Miss Hmong Minnesota 2025)
Photographers
Jijun He, Simon Li, Gongping Liu
Music Editor
Paul Hu
Website designer
Will Ahern
Talent Scout
Reinnen Pfleider
Finally, we welcome you to scan the QR code below and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. May the charm of confidence bring light to all who believe in themselves, and may the Princess Of Asia platform become a unique force for the Asian community in pursuing beauty, creating beauty, and shaping a new image of Asian Americans.
