On June 14, Nam Em received her sash as a contestant in Miss Cosmo Ho Chi Minh City, marking her entry into the top 30 of the competition. During the initial phase, she won the audience voting round, leading to her being crowned on stage alongside the event organizers.

Nam Em, who introduced herself and showcased her catwalk skills at the event, drew attention as she stepped back into the spotlight following a tumultuous period in her personal life. She expressed her desire to demonstrate her growth and rebuild her image, acknowledging that past controversies had led to a loss of trust from the public. "I blame myself for not being wise enough to protect the positive image I had built in the eyes of the audience," she stated.

Reflecting on her past experiences, Nam Em shared that her setbacks have taught her valuable lessons about behavior, communication, and professionalism. "I was once blind in love and forgot to believe in myself first. After facing failures and feeling lost, I realized that I should not wait for someone to save me but instead find my own way to rise again," she remarked.

As she returns to the beauty pageant scene, Nam Em does not set high expectations, understanding that her public image has changed. However, she is determined to take on the challenge, believing that not daring to stand up would be the biggest failure of her life. "The support from the audience during this competition has awakened me. Without them, I might not have gained so much confidence," she added.

In recent times, Nam Em has focused on positivity by limiting her social media use. She mentioned that previously, she often chased public opinion, which led her into a negative state. By avoiding reading comments and surrounding herself with positive energy, she has found a way to balance her life. She also expressed gratitude towards her family, especially her sister Nam Anh, for being her emotional support and forgiving her mistakes. Additionally, Nam Em has taken up reading and exploring the meanings of quotes about meditation.

The head judge, Ly Nha Ky, noted that Nam Em's story encourages young people who have stumbled to rise again. "The judging panel assesses contestants based on their beauty, experience, and willingness to learn," Ly Nha Ky commented.

Nam Em, whose full name is Nguyen Thi Le Nam Em, is 30 years old and hails from Tien Giang. She first gained public recognition after winning the Miss Mekong Delta 2015 title. The following year, she competed in Miss Earth and reached the top 8. In 2022, she participated in Miss World Vietnam, finishing in the top 10 and winning the "Media Favorite" and "Most Popular Contestant" awards. Besides modeling and acting, Nam Em has also ventured into singing, although she has faced controversies related to her statements and behavior. In 2024, she was penalized by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Information and Communications due to issues surrounding a livestream incident.