25 years of impact, celebrated with a powerful gesture

SKIP TO CONTENT

25 years of impact, celebrated with a powerful gesture

More than just a celebration, the largest banh mi number ‘25’ GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title attempt and achievement by the RMIT Vietnam community raised USD 21,000 for KOTO Dream School, turning a symbol of Vietnam’s everyday life into a powerful gesture of community, compassion, and growth.

Celebrating with impact

As part of RMIT Vietnam’s 25th anniversary, the largest banh mi number ‘25’ GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title attempt served as a meaningful highlight during the celebrations marking 25 years of RMIT's educational contributions to Vietnam. The attempt was made possible through a partnership with KOTO (Know One, Teach One), a pioneering social enterprise that empowers disadvantaged youth through hospitality and life skills training. Over the past 25 years, KOTO has transformed the lives of nearly 1,700 young people from underprivileged and ethnic minority backgrounds through education, mentorship, and career opportunities. That mission continues through KOTO’s Dream School, which aims to train 300 students each year and equip them with the skills to build brighter futures.

“Banh mi is one of Vietnam’s most cherished dishes, simple, familiar, and full of heart,” said Jimmy Pham, Founder and Chairman of KOTO and Co-founder of VietHarvest. “That spirit of sharing is exactly what KOTO stands for, giving skills, opportunities, and brighter futures. The donations raised from this record-setting event will help us deliver professional hospitality education, accommodation, healthcare, and holistic support for at-risk youth.”

RMIT Vietnam and social enterprise KOTO have officially set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ title for the largest banh mi number. (Photo: RMIT)

RMIT Vietnam and social enterprise KOTO have officially set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ title for the largest banh mi number. (Photo: RMIT)

A day of connection

From the early morning, the campus buzzed with energy as hundreds of students poured in, filling every corner with excitement and laughter. Nearby, a colorful community canvas invited students to freely express their creativity with brushes and paint, while a photo booth styled as a “banh mi street corner,” complete with the familiar pushcart, tiny stools, and tables found along Vietnamese sidewalks, added a vintage touch and captured the iconic charm of Vietnam.

Students having fun with the interactive wall.

Some students had fun at the photobooth with banh mi plushie as props.

Volunteers were already in place, guiding the crowd with friendly smiles, keeping everything orderly, and ensuring every step met food safety standards. The scent of freshly baked bread filled the air, joined by the aroma of rich paté and flavorful ham.

Student volunteers sanitazing their hands before heading into the making station.

Student volunteers sanitazing their hands before heading into the making station.

Hundreds of volunteers worked together to prepare, assemble, and safely wrap the banh mi, turning a cultural icon into a symbol of community and purpose. (Photo: RMIT)

Hundreds of volunteers worked together to prepare, assemble, and safely wrap the banh mi, turning a cultural icon into a symbol of community and purpose. (Photo: RMIT)

Inside the hall, some watched attentively as the number “25” slowly took shape from rows of banh mi, while lines of students stood neatly in place, ready to make warm, meaningful loaves of bread. Together, they painted a portrait of youth that was vibrant, creative, and full of life.

The number 25 made from banh mi is taking its shape.

The number 25 made from banh mi is taking its shape.

A meaningful social purpose

As the final loaves were placed, the excitement reached its peak. Slowly, the number “25” took shape from 631 loaves of banh mi made with dedication, a powerful symbol of RMIT Vietnam’s 25-year journey. When the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ adjudicator announced the result, the crowd erupted in cheers. Students hugged, laughed, and captured the moment on their phones, their faces glowing with pride.

A record-breaking 631 loaves of Vietnamese banh mi arranged in the shape of “25” (Photo: RMIT)

A record-breaking 631 loaves of Vietnamese banh mi arranged in the shape of “25” (Photo: RMIT)

(From left to right) Mr Austin Johnson (GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ adjudicator), Mr Jimmy Pham (KOTO), Ms Jodie Altan (RMIT Vietnam) (Photo: RMIT)

(From left to right) Mr Austin Johnson (GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ adjudicator), Mr Jimmy Pham (KOTO), Ms Jodie Altan (RMIT Vietnam) (Photo: RMIT)

Furthermore, that was the only proud achievement of the RMIT Vietnam community and KOTO that day. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, the event also raised USD 21,000 for KOTO Dream School, empowering their mission.

The achievement felt bigger than just a title. It was a moment that carried heart and purpose. For many of these young people, support means more than classrooms or equipment. It means a second chance to step out of hardship, gain confidence, and stand on their own feet. Each loaf of bread the students made was a small part of that journey, and each smile reflected their shared purpose.

The achievements were a reflection of what 25 years in Vietnam truly mean: learning that goes beyond the classroom, compassion that connects people, and a shared belief that education can change lives.

Student volunteers proudly taking photo of their work.

Once the record was verified, all banh mi were immediately and safely enjoyed by the event attendees.

Once the record was verified, all banh mi were immediately and safely enjoyed by the event attendees.

By raising USD 21,000 for KOTO Dream School, the RMIT community helped light a path for disadvantaged youth, a path paved with learning, kindness, and hope. Because at RMIT, education is not just about achieving, but about giving back and growing together.

31 October 2025

Share

More news

Students’ vision toward a future for autistic job candidates

06 Nov 2025

The Powerpuff Girls Team stood out in The Accessibility Design Competition 2025 (ADC) with NeuroAICC, a solution designed to make job interviews fairer and more inclusive for autistic adults. Their solution not only promotes equal opportunities in the workplace but also reflects a broader vision of creating a more inclusive world for everyone.

Female student using computer while other female student watching

Newbie 101: Don’t struggle alone – ask away!

05 Nov 2025

Beginning university often marks a major shift in life. Assignments pile up, lessons grow more complex, and future career paths seem both exciting and daunting. In the middle of all this, one powerful yet sometimes overlooked action can transform the student experience: asking for help.

25 years of impact, celebrated with a powerful gesture

31 Oct 2025

More than just a celebration, the largest banh mi number ‘25’ GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title attempt and achievement by the RMIT Vietnam community raised USD 21,000 for KOTO Dream School, turning a symbol of Vietnam’s everyday life into a powerful gesture of community, compassion, and growth.

Load more +