Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – April 3, 2025
The Bakery School Vietnam is honored to welcome Their Majesties the King and Queen of the Belgians for an inspiring visit, showcasing the school's dedication to education, empowerment, and social equity. This event highlights the Royal commitment to community development and celebrates the impactful contributions of Belgian companies to meaningful social initiatives in Vietnam.
Bakery School Vietnam is part of the Bakery School Foundation, an initiative founded by Puratos Group to train professional bakers for the baking and confectionery industry. As the 11th school in a global network of 13, Bakery School Vietnam represents Puratos’ mission to nurture young potential, break down barriers, and instill excellence in the art of baking. This initiative perfectly aligns with Puratos’ vision to contribute to a better planet, improve lives, and promote well-being through actionable, sustainable efforts.
This visit marks King Philippe's first to Vietnam as head of the royal family, following three visits as Crown Prince in 1993, 2003, and 2012. Queen Mathilde also visited in 2023. We are honored by King Philippe's continued visits to Puratos Grand-Place, reflecting his support for our mission and the strong bond between Belgium and Vietnam.
During their visit, Their Majesties will explore the extraordinary culinary creations from Thirty-nine Bakery School students, who have beautifully combined the flavors of Vietnam's North, Middle, and South regions with the professional skills and techniques acquired during their training. The King and Queen will engage directly with the students, discussing their experiences at the school, their future aspirations, and even sampling the exquisite dishes prepared by them.
A key moment of the visit will be the Welcome Ceremony, featuring a moving performance of "Hello Vietnam" by Bakery School students. Testimonials from the students will follow, offering an intimate look into their personal journeys, educational experiences, and ambitious goals.
Another highlight of the agenda is the Certificate Ceremony, where 19 students from the K23 batch will be recognized for their successful completion of the program. This achievement is a significant milestone, with 100% of the graduates from the K23 batch already securing employment a clear testament to the school's commitment to preparing students for thriving careers in the baking and confectionery industry.
This visit serves to underline the enduring partnership between Belgium and Vietnam, supported by Puratos Grand-Place Indochina (PGPI) and other initiatives. Their Majesties' presence is a powerful acknowledgment of these efforts, reinforcing the shared commitment to fostering opportunities, advancing sustainable development, and empowering the next generation.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to The Cocoa Project for being the venue sponsor for this event. Since the campus of Bakery School Vietnam is located in another city, their generosity made it possible to transform The Cocoa Project into a setup that reflects the essence of Bakery School Vietnam.
For further information, please contact:
Ms Vy Nguyen | Branding and Communication Manager at Puratos Grand Place Indochina
vyntt@puratos.com | +84979881306
About Puratos Grand-Place Vietnam:
Puratos Grand-Place Indochina (PGPI) stands as a joint venture between Puratos Group and Grand-Place Holding. Both companies trace their origins to Belgium and established their initial presence in Vietnam over two decades ago. PGPI offers an expansive array of innovative products, raw materials, and application expertise catering to artisans, food service providers, chocolate makers, bakeries, and patisseries. For more information, visit at: https://www.puratosgrandplace.com/
About Bakery School Vietnam:
Bakery School Vietnam offers free, high-quality training in bakery, patisserie, and chocolate craftsmanship to vulnerable groups, including orphans and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Managed under the Bakery School Foundation, this initiative fosters equal access to education, shaping the future of young artisans and professionals. For more information, visit at: https://www.facebook.com/bakeryschoolvietnam
