Miss Universe Australia Francesca Hung’s multicultural victory
WHEN she started out in modelling four years ago, Francesca Hung found herself rejected by a string of Sydney agencies. “They never said it was because of my cultural heritage,” said the Cremorne-based model.
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WHEN she started out in modelling four years ago, Francesca Hung found herself rejected by a string of Sydney agencies.
“They never said it was because of my cultural heritage, because that wouldn’t be very diplomatic,” said the Cremorne-based model, who has a Chinese father and an Irish/English mother.
“But back then there wasn’t so much of an Asian influence in the industry — now it’s cool.”
Hung, 24, and her agency, Scoop Management, had the last laugh. On June 28, the former Loreto Kirribilli student was crowned Miss Universe Australia.
“I absolutely did not expect to win,” said Hung. “I didn’t even think I’d make the first round. I started crying when they announced it — I don’t think I really knew what was happening.”
The application process was lengthy, with 32 women competing nationally — but Hung had an added impetus to go the whole way.
“I’ve seen girls win it over the years and they’ve all been stunning, and I’ve looked up to all of them — but I couldn’t relate to them, as they were all Anglo-Saxon,” she said.
“I struggled as a kid. In Mosman there are so many Eurasians now, but when I went to Sacred Heart and Loreto, there weren’t many Asian kids at school. I want to be a role model for anyone growing up who’s not from an Anglo-Saxon background.”
Hung’s determination to break the mould is key to her success.
After so many rejections, she set about organising independent photo shoots, and boosting her prevalence on social media in a bid to enhance her portfolio.
At the same time, she was studying a masters in publishing (which is temporarily on hold) and working at the Boathouse in Balmoral. “I worked there for years — that’s what I was doing before all of this. I guess they think it’s funny I’ve gone from ‘little miss waitress’ to ‘little Miss Universe,” she said.
Now Hung has her sights on the global Miss Universe pageant later in the year.
“Preparation-wise I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing — training, eating the right things, trying not to get sick,” said the model.
“Dad came to Mosman when he was one, straight off the boat. His parents opened up a yarn shop,” said Hung.
“Dad can’t believe that he has come from an immigrant family and how his daughter is the face of this competition.
“Mum’s like, ‘This is all fine and well, but you’ve got to finish your degree!”