Koto Founder Honoured as Young Global Leader

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has recognised the work Jimmy Pham has done in lifting over 300 Vietnamese youth out of poverty by honouring him as a Young Global Leader (YGL).

 

Pham is one of two people honoured in 2011 for work done in Vietnam and upon hearing of this, past honouree, Vietnam’s Ms Pham Thi Hue, praised his dedication to improving the lives of youth.

 

Pham, who was born in Vietnam and raised in Sydney, Australia, also received congratulations from Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr Allaster Cox.

 

Professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world through inspiring leadership are among the WEF selection criteria. 

 

KOTO (Know One, Teach One), the not-for-profit hospitality training organisation Pham founded and is now CEO of, has trained in excess of 300 disadvantaged Vietnamese youth living on the street in its Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) training centres. Its 24-month program includes both front-of-house and kitchen, as well as English and life skills training, and provides trainees with accommodation, food and medical care, all free of charge. It has a restaurant in Hanoi where trainees work to get practical experience and all profits are invested back into the program. KOTO will open a restaurant in HCMC in 2011.