Manita Hang

Manita Hang (Khmer: ហង្ស ម៉ានីតា; born 7 September 1998) is a French-Cambodian model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe Cambodia 2022.^[1] She represented Cambodia at the Miss Universe 2022.^[2][3]

Manita Hang was born on September 7, 1998, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. She grew up in a multicultural environment, with a Cambodian father and a French mother, which gave her a diverse perspective from an early age. This blend of cultures influenced her worldview and allowed her to connect with both Cambodian traditions and Western influences.

Manita was raised in Phnom Penh, where she pursued her education. She attended private schools in Cambodia, which laid the foundation for her language skills, allowing her to become fluent in English, French, and Khmer. This linguistic ability later helped her during her pageantry journey and in her communication on the international stage.

Before venturing into the world of beauty pageants, Manita was known for her dedication to education and personal growth. Her early life experiences, growing up in a rapidly developing Cambodia, shaped her passion for representing her country and promoting its rich heritage on a global platform.

Manita started her beauty pageant career in 2015, she was crowned Miss Tourism Cambodia 2015.^[4]

On November 18, 2016, Manita represented Cambodia at Miss Tourism Metropolitan 2016 at Nagaworld Hotel in Phnom Penh and placed 3rd runner up to Amanda Obdam, who represented Thailand and entered the Top 10 at Miss Universe 2020.

On June 15, 2022, Manita won the Miss Universe Cambodia 2022 pageant. Her major breakthrough came in 2022 when she was crowned Miss Cambodia. This prestigious title allowed her to represent Cambodia on an international stage and gave her a platform to promote causes important to her, such as education and women's empowerment. Her win in the national competition was seen as a symbol of pride for Cambodia, as she embodied both modern elegance and respect for her country's traditions.

Following her national success, Manita represented Cambodia in the Miss Universe 2022 pageant, one of the most prominent international beauty competitions. Competing alongside contestants from around the world, Manita showcased Cambodia's rich culture, elegance, and history. While she did not place in the top ranks, her participation helped put Cambodia on the global pageant map, increasing visibility for her country in future pageants.