RMIT and KOTO set Guinness record, raise funds for disadvantaged youth

The record was set with 631 Vietnamese sandwiches arranged in the shape of the number “25”. (Photo: RMIT)

The initiative marks 25 years of contributions by both organisations to Vietnam’s education sector, while also celebrating Vietnamese culture through the iconic bánh mì sandwich. Over 1,000 guests witnessed the record-setting effort, including Ms Sarah Hooper (Australian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City), the RMIT community, corporate sponsors and partners. An official Guinness World Records judge was present and verified the record on the spot.

“Banh mi brings the story of Vietnam to the world – a story of creativity, resilience and connection,” said Jodie Altan, Vice President, External Affairs, RMIT University Vietnam. “What we are doing has a similar mission: to bring world-class education to Vietnam without leaving behind the people and culture of this land. Together with KOTO, we are setting a Guinness World Record to celebrate how culture and education can create lasting change.”

Setting a Guinness World Record is no easy task. It requires meticulous planning, adherence to rigorous international standards, and meticulous execution. From ensuring the structural integrity of the sandwich model, to strict hygiene, safety, and documentation requirements, everything must be of world-class quality. Months of preparation converged into a single moment to make Vietnamese banh mi history.

(From left to right) Mr. Austin Johnson (Guinness World Records Organization), Mr. Jimmy Pham (KOTO), Ms. Jodie Altan (RMIT University Vietnam) (Photo: RMIT)

“ Every Guinness World Records record is judged on clear criteria, including: measurability, authenticity, standardization and originality. In this case, the structure must be made entirely from bread, shaped to the exact number 25 and verified by independent experts. In addition, the organizers need to ensure that the entire processing complies with food hygiene and safety standards, from production to distribution. This effort not only fully meets the technical requirements but also demonstrates tight organization and clear goals in the 25th anniversary celebration,” said Austin Johnson, Guinness World Records adjudicator.

“The organizers have ensured that every element meets the record regulations, while actively engaging the community. This is a well-executed effort, demonstrating professionalism and close cooperation between the participating parties.”

Hundreds of volunteers came together to prepare, arrange and package the sandwiches, turning this culturally rich dish into a symbol of community spirit and humanism. (Photo: RMIT)

To ensure hygiene and safety, about 400 people participated in the bread preparation process. Volunteers arranged the fillings in each loaf of bread, wrapping them individually for display. After the record was set, the bread was distributed to event attendees to enjoy on the spot, turning the anniversary into a meaningful community action to support disadvantaged youth through the Hope Foundation.

In recent times, the Hope Fund and KOTO have carried out many activities to support disadvantaged children and young people in remote and disadvantaged areas. In particular, the Fund connects ethnic minority and orphaned students in the provinces to learn service, hotel and restaurant skills at KOTO's training center.

Ms. Sarah Hooper, Australian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, attended the record-setting event to celebrate the school’s 25th anniversary and support KOTO’s “Dream School” initiative. (Photo: RMIT)

Founded in 1999, KOTO (Know One, Teach One) is the first legally recognized social enterprise in Vietnam, with a mission to break the vicious cycle of poverty through vocational training in service - tourism and comprehensive life skills education. Over the past 25 years, KOTO has changed the lives of more than 1,700 disadvantaged youth, many of whom are ethnic minorities, in remote and isolated areas. 100% of students have jobs after graduation, and always return to contribute to the community. After putting into operation a new facility called Dream School, the school aims to train 300 students per year.

The atmosphere at the event was vibrant and full of community. Attendees eagerly awaited, enjoyed music, participated in activities and watched the giant sandwich number 25 gradually take shape. This was not only a record-setting effort but also a testament to the power of cooperation, education and humanity.

As of 25 October, the event had raised US$21,000 (approximately VND552 million). The fundraising campaign is continuing until the end of November. All proceeds will be used to build KOTO’s Dream School – a pioneering education project that provides free hospitality and life skills training to disadvantaged youth. This is more than just a new school, it is a lasting commitment to creating opportunities, confidence and a bright future for the next generation.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/rmit-va-koto-xac-lap-ky-luc-guinness-gay-quy-cho-thanh-thieu-nien-co-hoan-canh-kho-khan-post1791065.tpo