Miss Asia 2012 crowned

Winner of Miss Asia 2012 final Amy Chen poses for a photo at the awarding ceremony of Miss Asia 2012 final contest in south China's Hong Kong, Jan. 21, 2013. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

A 26-year-old master’s student representing the Hong Kong and Macau administration regions has won the title of Miss Asia!

After nearly six months of auditions and preparations, Hong Kong’s 2012 Miss Asia pageant, hosted by ATV, was finally held on Monday night, January 21. Amy Chen (陳彥蓉), a contestant from the Hong Kong and Macau administration regions, has been announced as the 2012 Miss Asia winner. Amy defeated hot favorites Annie Qi (齊真晨), who was named first runner-up, and 21-year-old Svetlana Gulakova (絲域蘭娜．古拉高華) from India, who finished as second runner-up.

Contestants present swimming suits during the awarding ceremony of Miss Asia 2012 final contest in south China's Hong Kong, Jan. 21, 2013. A total of 18 contestants participated in the contest. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

Aside from the crown, Amy also won the Asian Charisma award. Expressing an interest in singing and travel, Amy indicated that she plans to join the entertainment industry after she completes her title reign.

Amy’s win came unexpected. Regarded as the pageant’s dark horse winner, Amy defeated the night’s most popular contestant, 19-year-old Vika Kong (孔芊芊) from Jiangxi, China. Vika finished the pageant race as a top four finalist, also winning the Miss Photogenic and Great Intelligence awards. Amy said, “I also really like number 18, Vika Kong. She is very young, but I did not lose confidence on my part, because I have tried my best.”

Contestants present swimming suits during the awarding ceremony of Miss Asia 2012 final contest in south China's Hong Kong, Jan. 21, 2013. A total of 18 contestants participated in the contest. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

Vika also reportedly accumulated the most votes from judges and audiences. “I didn’t check the screen, so I do not know the numbers,” said Amy. “I respect the organizer’s decisions.” Amy, a Hong Kong immigrant from Taiwan, expressed that her current top priority is to practice her Cantonese.

Contestant Annie Qi from China presents swimming suit during the awarding ceremony of Miss Asia 2012 final contest in south China's Hong Kong, Jan. 21, 2013. A total of 18 contestants participated in the contest. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

Other title winners include Mindy Hsu (許斯閔) from Taiwan, who won the Perfect Figure award. Bianca Wong Stamegna (黃璧安) from Macau won the Perfect Skin award, and Titika Uchupaiboonvong (倪淑君) from Thailand won the Miss Friendship award. A total of 18 contestants competed for the crown that night.

Winners of Miss Asia 2012 final Amy Chen (C), 1st runner up Annie Qi (L) and 2nd runner up Svetlana Gulakova, pose for a photo at the awarding ceremony of Miss Asia 2012 final contest in south China's Hong Kong, Jan. 21, 2013. A total of 18 contestants participated in the contest. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)