The world is my runway

Mila Swiegers, a grade 2 learner at Walvis Bay Private School, was announced as the overall winner in the pre-teen commercial print category at the Project Aim Convention hosted by Figures Models International on the MSC Splendida.

This young model participated in seven different competitions while on board the MSC Splendida, in front of a team of international agents, along with other models from Namibia and South Africa.

Aside from winning the category award, Swiegers was also invited to a call-back session with the international agent for the esteemed Francina Models, an established Spanish agency that places models around the world.

It was in December 2023 when Mila participated in the Global Student Model of the Year competition, hosted by Figures Models International in Roodepoort, South Africa, where she was invited to the Project Aim Convention onboard the MSC Splendida.

“Mila thoroughly enjoyed the experience aboard the MSC Splendida and looks forward to her next big opportunities. The highlights of the whole experience included her interaction and meeting with the jugglers who adopted Mila as their own and taught her various tricks,” her mother, Stefanie Swiegers, said.

Additionally, Mila auditioned for dance, acting, and modelling for the International ARTS Talent Showcase (IATS) in March of this year.

She made it through the elimination rounds and was invited to the gala evening taking place in September 2024 at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg.

“Agents that will be attending the evening include representatives from Disney and Nickelodeon, Nate Buthler from America’s Got Talent, Blaze Johnson from The Voice, representatives from Paris Model Showcase, agents from Wilhelmina International Models, and representatives from the College and Conservatory of Performing Arts, the number one performing arts college in America (Amda). During the event, Amda will also announce scholarships for prospective young talents. The alumni of this international panel include Jason Derulo, Elijah Woods, Mila Kunis, and many other well-known dancers and actors.”

Mila is no stranger to the modelling world, as she has been featured in numerous magazine articles since she was four years old.

“Mila’s love for modelling and photography ignited at the tender age of four during a family photoshoot. For Mila, being in front of the camera is akin to being a princess in a magical castle. The camera’s flash and the elegant poses evoke a sense of wonder and excitement, allowing her to showcase her fanciful attire and immerse herself in her own fairy tale,” her family said.

Stefanie added that, as a mother, seeing Mila pursue her passion for modelling since she was four has been a joyous journey.

“Watching her blossom on stage fills my heart with pride, seeing her radiate confidence and joy with every step. Her participation in the competition onboard the MSC Splendida was a highlight for both of us, not because of the model royalty she met but because of the magical experiences she had as a child. What truly mattered to her were the simple pleasures of childhood that the competition allowed her to experience.

“Mila cherished attending the kids disco every night, interacting with the talented magicians on the cruise, and indulging in the joys of swimming and playing on the super tubes and arcade games on the boat. This competition not only nurtured her modelling aspirations but also gave her ample opportunities to live out her childhood dreams, making every moment count with wonder and excitement.”

Mila is working hard to make her dream of representing her country on international stages a reality!