Thuy Tien’s Tenure as Taiwan’s Tourism Ambassador Ends Amid Controversy
Derek Chou, the chief representative of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau in Vietnam, has announced that Thuy Tien’s contract as the tourism ambassador will not be renewed upon its expiration in May 2025. This decision comes in light of recent controversy surrounding her involvement in misleading advertising.
Involvement in False Advertising
According to Chou, Tien was fully informed about the implications of her participation in the promotion of Kera Supergreens Gummies, a fiber supplement accused of false advertising. “While she has effectively represented Taiwan over the past year, this incident has tarnished her previous contributions to our promotional efforts,” Chou stated.
Promotion Activities Ceased Since March
Chou further noted that no promotional activities featuring Thuy Tien as an ambassador have been organized since March 2025. Despite her successful tenure, the recent controversies have led the bureau to seek a new representative for promoting Taiwan’s tourism in Vietnam.
Background of Thuy Tien’s Appointment
Thuy Tien was appointed as Taiwan’s tourism ambassador in October 2024. Throughout her ambassadorial journey, she actively posted travel vlogs highlighting Taiwan’s attractions on her official YouTube channel, aiming to encourage Vietnamese tourists to explore Taiwan’s culture and beauty.
Controversial Collaboration with Influencers
The controversy escalated in December 2024 when Tien collaborated with influencers Pham Quang Linh and Nguyen Thi Thai Hang to promote Kera Supergreens Gummies. Tien claimed that each gummy contained the equivalent of a full serving of vegetables, positioning the product as a nutritious option for both children and adults.
Public Backlash and Investigation
However, an independent assessment at the Quality Assurance and Testing Center 2 revealed a significant discrepancy, revealing that a box of 30 gummies contained only 0.51 grams of fiber, leading to public outrage. In response to the backlash, Tien promptly deleted the promotional content from her social media platforms.
Legal Actions and Travel Ban
Following the situation, law enforcement launched an investigation, resulting in the arrest of both influencers for alleged “manufacturing and trading of counterfeit food or food additives” as well as “deceiving customers.” Additionally, Tien has been placed under a temporary travel ban from March 15 to May 15 as the inquiries continue.
A Notable Achievement in Pageantry
At just 26 years old, Thuy Tien made headlines as the first Vietnamese contestant to win the prestigious Miss Grand International title. While she has achieved remarkable success, this recent series of events draws attention to the critical role of transparency and accountability within influencer marketing.
