KOTO International
WHO ARE WE?
About KOTO International
KOTO Culture
KOTO International Limited is an Australian company that supports the KOTO Foundation in Vietnam to deliver its renowned hospitality traineeship program for disadvantaged young persons. KOTO International raises funds in Australia for the traineeship program through: individual trainee sponsors; companies which support multiple trainees; philanthropic sources; general donations; and fundraising events.
KOTO International’s goal is to promote the achievements of the KOTO traineeship program and extend its supporter and donor base. KOTO International assists to build the long-term sustainability of KOTO in Vietnam.
Company Structure
KOTO International is a company limited by guarantee, registered with, and regulated by, the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission (ACNC). It holds Tier 1 Level Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status and corporate benefits from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for donations to its approved ‘KOTO Public Fund’. This enables donors who are Australian taxpayers to qualify to reduce their taxable income. It is also an important ‘Australian Government quality stamp for charities’ to reassure donors that their financial support makes the difference that we claim.
KOTO International has no paid staff and no premise and retains less than 5% of its fundraising efforts to meet administration and operational needs.
To protect KOTO trainees, staff, volunteers and donors, the ACNC regulation of charities is rigorous. To comply with the ACNC’s External Conduct Standards, KOTO International must at all times demonstrate that:
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all funds sent to Vietnam are used to directly benefit trainees, and ensure that no fraud occurs
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trainees and staff are protected under the vulnerable person's policies in place in both Vietnam and Australia, and
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it operates professionally.
The charity is governed by an experienced Board of Directors. Board Directors are volunteers and receive no remuneration.
Governance
Together the KOTO International board achieves great outcomes and meets ACNC’s requirements by:
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Closely monitoring KOTO’s activities in Vietnam through a strong partnership which includes annual monitoring visits, a continuous improvement plan and effectively dealing with queries and complaints
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Following the KOTO International Constitution
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Ensuring all Directors comply with the Director’s Code of Conduct
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Implementing key policies, including the Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons Policy
CONTACT
If you have a question or query on any matter please contact:
Warwick Freeman
meet the KOTO International Directors
KOTO International is managed in Australia by a board of directors — a dedicated team who have seen first hand for how KOTO changes lives.
Warwick Freeland
Warwick Freeland joined the KOTO International board in March 2016. He is the Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Director IELTS, IDP Education. Warwick has 30 years of experience running considerable international operations for large companies, governments and start-ups. He has qualifications in Engineering and Marketing, and has won export and innovation awards in Australia and Germany.
Ruth Kimpton
Ruth is an experienced strategic marketing consultant and facilitator. Working with a broad range of corporate, government and not-for-profit organizations, Ruth uses empathy and creative thinking to find solutions and create value.
Ruth is passionate about sharing knowledge and helping people build theirs so they can build a better life, the very principle that KOTO is founded on. She has a genuine interest in social enterprise and creating positive social change. Joining the KOTO International board is an opportunity for Ruth to bring her knowledge, experience, and energy to creating just that. Ruth is an active supporter of KOTO and proud KOTO Trainee sponsor.
Marcela Fang
Marcela is a Senior Lecturer at the William Angliss Institute, teaching leadership and entrepreneurship courses. Her work extends beyond the classroom, collaborating on projects and research across Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. Marcela believes in diverse paths to unlocking one's potential and champions student-focused education and development as the means to achieve a successful and happy life. Her expertise in leadership development, entrepreneurship, and education, combined with her understanding of the tourism and hospitality sectors and international perspective, makes Marcela a valuable contributor to KOTO's board.
Rashima Ghai
Rashima was born in the 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 real difference through her contribution.
Ha Nguyen
Ha serves as a Managing Director of Advanced Partners, a boutique tax and business consulting practice based in Melbourne, Australia. Having worked for a number of ASX Listed companies before founding Advanced Partners, she possesses robust technical skills in management accounting, and holds a deep understanding of tax matters and business advisory services. Ha is engaged in various professional endeavours, including her active participation in the CPA Australia Public Practice Committee and her role as a co-founder and vice president of the Vietnamese Australian Scholars and Expert Association (VASEA). Additionally, she frequently shares her knowledge through speaking engagements and lectures at Monash University. Emphasising the significance of education and its societal impact, Ha is dedicated to leveraging her skills and background to support the development of KOTO.
Michael Maxwell
Michael brings to KOTO his belief that access to education is a pathway out of disadvantage. He is currently Community Development Manager in one of Australia's largest and most dynamic local government areas, a sessional academic, and a non-executive director disability and employment organizations. Michael is a Fellow of the School for Social Entrepreneurs and combines his experience to create social and financial inclusion, enhance liveability and wellbeing, and support individuals and communities facing disadvantage to live to their full potential in safe, secure and empowering environments. Michael joined the KOTO International board in 2024.
Leanne Dowler
Leanne spent nine years in Vietnam, where she developed a deep understanding of the needs of disadvantaged youth. For four years she served as the Volunteer Coordinator for the KOTO Foundation, where she actively contributed to volunteer management, fundraising, policy development, and training. With a strong background in sales, HR, training, and volunteer management, Leanne has returned to Australia but remains deeply committed to supporting young people in Vietnam. She is excited to be a part of the KOTO International board and continue contributing to the impactful work of the KOTO program.