Katica Rakuljic and Dara Ousakphea (Photo: Supplied)
Croatian model and television presenter Katica Rakuljic took centre stage on the global pageant scene this month, hosting the final of the Miss Planet International in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The event took place on 15 March 2026 at the Koh Pich Theater, with preliminary competitions held two days earlier on 13 March.
The final attracted an audience of around 900,000 viewers, highlighting the strong international following that beauty pageants continue to command, particularly across Asia.
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Rakuljic shared hosting duties with Cambodian television personality Dara Ousakphea, a well-known MC and entertainer in Cambodia recognised for his work in the media industry and for his appearance on the talent programme PNN’s Super Star.
Although born in Split, Rakuljic moved to Sweden at just three months old and grew up in Gothenburg. Despite building her life abroad, she has always maintained close ties to Croatia, regularly returning to visit family and proudly highlighting her Croatian heritage.
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Her career spans modelling, pageantry and television presenting. Over the years she has collected several notable titles, including Runner-Up at Miss Universe Croatia, Top Model of the World Croatia, and Miss Gothenburg Sweden.
Beyond pageants, Rakuljic has also worked as a television presenter covering international events, including the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France.
Rakuljic explained that the opportunity to host Miss Planet International came through a professional connection with the pageant’s CEO, who had followed her previous work on Swedish television.
“He had seen my hosting work and was impressed,” she said. “My modelling background and my experience in pageants also played a role.”
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Earlier in her career, while modelling in Mexico, she gained international exposure after finishing as first runner-up at Miss Universe Croatia and winning Miss Gothenburg Sweden. She was later invited for an interview with a pageant magazine and attended international events as a Croatian beauty queen.
For Rakuljic, hosting such a major international event carried special meaning.
“It means a lot,” she said. “This time I was hosting rather than competing, so I understood what the contestants were going through and could give them advice from my own experience representing Croatia on the world stage.”
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She added that her Croatian background continues to shape her identity.
“My values, my identity and my personality have been strongly influenced by my Croatian parents and upbringing. I’m very proud of where I come from.”
Rakuljic described her experience in Cambodia as unforgettable, highlighting the warm reception she received from organisers and fans.
“From the moment I arrived at the airport I was treated like a queen,” she said. “The organisation was fantastic, and I had the chance to see some incredible places.”
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Among the highlights of her visit was seeing the famous Angkor Wat, one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic historical sites.
She also noted the enthusiasm for pageants across the region. “In Asia, beauty pageants are almost like the Olympics,” she joked.
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Although she currently lives in Sweden and continues to travel frequently for work, Rakuljic says she hopes to return to Croatia permanently.
“My plans to move back to Split full-time are already in process,” she revealed.
Rakuljic also shared advice for young Croatian women hoping to pursue careers internationally in modelling or television.
“You have to believe in yourself completely,” she said. “The only limits that exist are in your mind.”
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She emphasised that Croatians are recognised worldwide for their achievements in many fields.
“Stay true to your values and keep going no matter what. If I had listened to everyone who told me ‘no’, I would not have achieved half of what I have.”
As for what comes next, Rakuljic remains characteristically reserved.
“I prefer to show my next move rather than talk about it,” she said with a smile. “But I believe the opportunities ahead are endless.”
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