University of Hong Kong student Hilary Chong Tsz-shuen was crowned this year's Miss Hong Kong on Sunday amid rumors that she was boycotted by competitors in the beauty pageant.

Chong, 21, who is reading food and nutritional science, said she was nervous before the Miss Hong Kong final and would now like to be able to travel as a celebration now that she has won.

Chong returned home to Sham Tseng around

2 am yesterday, saying she would have a late-night meal. She added that she would invite other Miss Hong Kong candidates to dinner.

"We are just normal people who faced many cameras for the first time so we are under pressure. I also saw many candidates have an emotional breakdown sometimes so I want to congratulate everyone for completing the journey," she said.

"I want to thank my elder brother for driving me to rehearsals every time and teaching me how to speak. I would also like to thank my mom for asking me to sign up for Miss Hong Kong, otherwise, I would not have joined by myself," she added.

Chong was earlier said to be a "two-faced person" and was not welcomed by other candidates, as reports said she liked to court TVB staffers while having a bad attitude toward other candidates.

But Chong said yesterday the negative news might be good for her.

"I've been given an opportunity to learn how to deal with negative news, and not everyone has such a chance. I get to learn about it in advance to build a strong heart," she said.

Chong also said he beauty pageant's judges had told her they did not read the news.

"I believe the judges have the vision to pick the most appropriate Miss Hong Kong," she said.

Chong had dismissed rumors earlier, saying she treated all candidates and TVB staff the same, adding she has a good relationship with some of them.

"I have befriended some candidates, not all. I can feel that some people do not like me," she said.

First runner-up Lynn Wang Yiran, who attends Baptist University, was also Miss Photogenic.

"I didn't expect to receive a reward and it's like a dream I've always thought I'm not confident as I used all the filters when taking photos in the past, so I didn't expect to be Miss Photogenic."

Second runner-up was Lovelle Wang Minci, a Central Academy of Drama student. A happy Wang will put more effort into learning Cantonese.

Flanked by Lynn Wang on her right and Lovelle Wang, Hilary Chong speaks during the swimsuit competition and, right, goes home for supper.

New Miss HK leaves rivals with lots of food for thought