Myanmar picks first Miss Universe contender in 50 years

With a whiff of controversy and not a bikini in sight,a US-educated business graduate was selected as the first Miss Universe contestant to represent Myanmar in more than 50 years.

Moe Set Wine will take her place on stage at the global beauty pageant in Moscow next month,reflecting dramatic political and social changes in the former junta-ruled nation,which last fielded a Miss Universe contender in 1961.

I feel like now I am part of the history and I feel like a soldier that is doing something for the country and my people, the 25-year-old Wine said after her selection late Thursday.