HCM CITY — The Bakery School Vietnam on Thursday said it is honoured to welcome Belgium King and Queen for an inspiring visit, during which the school has showcased its dedication to education, empowerment, and social equity.

The event highlights the royals’ commitment to community development and celebrates the impactful contributions Belgian companies make to meaningful social initiatives in Việt Nam.

Bakery School Vietnam is part of the Bakery School Foundation, an initiative founded by the Puratos Group to train professional bakers for the baking and confectionery industry.

As the 11th school in a global network of 13, the school embodies Puratos’ mission to nurture young talent, break down barriers and promote excellence in the art of baking.

This initiative aligns with Puratos’ vision to contribute to a better world, improve lives and drive well-being through sustainable action.

The visit marks King Philippe's first to Việt Nam as head of the royal family, following three visits as Crown Prince in 1993, 2003, and 2012. Meanwhile, Queen Mathilde has visited the country once in 2023.

The school is honoured by King Philippe's continued visits to Puratos Grand-Place, reflecting his support for our mission and the strong bond between Belgium and Việt Nam.

Their Majesties explored the extraordinary culinary creations of 39 Bakery School students, who skilfully combined pan-Việt Nam flavours with the professional techniques acquired during their training.

The King and Queen engaged directly with the students, discussing their experiences and aspirations and even sampling the exquisite dishes they had prepared.

A key moment of the visit was the welcome ceremony, featuring a moving performance of Hello Vietnam by Bakery School students, followed by students’ testimonials, offering insights into their personal journeys, educational experiences and ambitious goals.

Another highlight was the certificate ceremony, where 19 students from the K23 batch were recognised for successfully completing the programme.

This milestone is especially significant, with 100 per cent of the graduates already securing employment—a testament to the school’s commitment to preparing students for thriving careers in the baking and confectionery industry.

The visit further reinforces the enduring partnership between Belgium and Việt Nam, supported by Puratos Grand-Place Indochina and other initiatives. — VNS