Former tourism ambassador becomes jewelry ambassador Ly Nha Ky (L) and Vietnam Gemstones, Jewelry and Handicraft Association chairman Le Ngoc Dung.VGJA Ly Nha Ky is seen at the 2012 Golden Kite Awards in HCMC on March 9, 2013.TUOI TRE Model-turned-actress and businesswoman Ly Nha Ky, former tourism ambassador of Vietnam, has recently been appointed the first Vietnam Jewelry Ambassador by the Vietnam Gemstones, Jewelry and Handicraft Association. According to an announcement released by Le Ngoc Dung, head of the association, the new ambassador will be responsible for promoting the image and activities of the association for the development of Vietnam’s industry of gemstones, jewelry and handicraft by joining public activities, local workshop as well as ASEAN summits on gemstones and jewelry. Ky will also be the representative to answer questions related to the association’s operation during her two-year term. Born in 1982, Ky has been known with attractive looks, great popularity, good foreign language skills and good relations in art and business circles. In March, Ky announced to quit the 2013 tourism ambassador race due to health reasons. “My health condition is not good… Slanderous words against my last year’s position have had a tremendous influence on my family and relatives,” she expressed in a heartfelt letter. During her term as the first Vietnam tourism ambassador, Ky was praised for her dedication since she successfully promoted Ha Long Bay in the race to gain worldwide recognition as one of the new natural world wonders. However, she also earned a lot of criticism with her shocking public statements and scandals, including showing too much skin and showing off her wealth and deluxe costumes on the Internet. TUOITRENEWS