KOTO INTERNATIONAL
WHO ARE WE?
KOTO Culture
International Recognition
"An amazing and "unreasonable" person with a big dream! Jimmy and KOTO have made a name for Vietnam in the social entrepreneurship global movement. A lot of innovation and hard work has helped to transform the lives of hundreds of disadvantaged children. I look at the smiling faces of the children and believe in their bright future. Jimmy has inspired me and many other young social entrepreneurs in the country to be more innovative and take action to change the world into a better place for all.”
Pham Kieu Oanh, Founder and Director, Center for Social Initiatives Promotion (CSIP).
In March 2011, Jimmy Pham won the Young Global Leader Award from the World Economic Forum adding to his success of being one of the 9 finalists in the Schwabs’ Social Entrepreneur of the Year award 2009. In January 2013, he was appointed as a Member of Order of Australia (AM), an honour acknowledging his significant service to the community, particularly with marginalised children and youth in Vietnam. In September 2013, he was the recipient of the 5th ILGA Award, a very prestigious award given by ILGA Foundation in Korea to recognise the contributions of people around the world who work towards a better development of Asia and its people. In December 2013, he was a finalist of the 8th Asia Democracy and Human Right Award of Taiwan Foundation of Democracy. He also received the “Social Innovation” award at the ZERO- awards ceremony of UNICEF Vietnam. Jimmy Pham AM and KOTO story have become an inspirational topic for the local and global media to report.
About KOTO International
KOTO International Limited is a not-for-profit organisation in Australia that supports KOTO Foundation in Vietnam. KOTO International holds fund raising events in Australia, and raises the profile of at-risk and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. KOTO International’s philosophy is to continue to develop a support base, from which we are able to gain sponsorships and donations both personal and corporate to fund ongoing KOTO projects for the future sustainability of KOTO in Vietnam and in other locations, worldwide.
KOTO International Directors
KOTO International is managed in Australia by a board of directors, a dedicated team of men and women who have experienced how KOTO changes lives.
Will Aldous
Will is currently the Managing Director of TSS Immigration, a Melbourne based Immigration practice.
He has been involved in import / export, recruitment in the hospitality industry, and providing advice and processing for all Australian visas.
In joining the KOTO board of Directors, he brings an entrepreneur's’ skills and networks to KOTO International,
Tina Conroy
Tina Conroy has 35 years experience with the Victorian Education Department. Tina was awarded a year-long International Teaching Fellowship to the USA and a Teacher Release in Industry Program (TRIP) 12 month placement to Parks Victoria. She has an in-depth understanding of the power of education to change lives positively. Tina joined the Board of KI in 2014, after a long association with KOTO which included volunteering as an English teacher at KOTO Hanoi in 2012
Rhys Williams
Rhys Williams has been a KOTO supporter and sponsor for many years. Rhys has worked in international education with Victoria and RMIT Universities and Box Hill Institute, and everyday sees the transformative power education can have. Rhys is very committed to growing the sponsor base in Australia to assist KOTO Hanoi provide life-changing experiences for trainees.
Rashima Ghai
Rashima was born in Northern part of India. After completing her education in India, she had the opportunity of working internationally in various countries. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant both in India and Australia. She believes that one of the most effective ways of improving a person’s life is through education and hopes to make a difference through her contribution.
Mark C Schultz
Mark is an experienced practitioner, adviser and author in corporate governance , strategy and business management . With over 40 years in working in both large corporates and starting and developing his own businesses, Mark is well placed to contribute to the on going development of KOTO. Mark is also a sponsor of a KOTO trainee.