Putrajaya: The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd), the world’s oldest surgical institution, has expanded its regional presence with the opening of a new international office here, strengthening its commitment to Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Its president Rowan Parks said the new facility symbolises the College’s long-term investment in the region.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the new office is more than just a space; it is a statement of commitment to the Southeast Asian community. Malaysia has been a key partner in surgical and dental training and advancement, and the new office allows RCSEd to further invest in that partnership. Malaysia is currently facing a shortage of specialists, particularly in surgery, with the Health Ministry estimating the need for at least 13,000 specialists by 2030, double the current number.

RCSEd stated that the new office aims to support capacity building, professional development, and continuous medical education to address this gap. Located at the Medical Academies of Malaysia, the purpose-built office was inaugurated by His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, the College’s Royal Fellow in Malaysia. The ceremony was attended by presidents of medical and dental colleges as well as senior representatives from the surgical and dental fields.

Founded in 1505, RCSEd has more than 33,000 members across over 100 countries and is recognised for promoting the highest standards in surgical and dental practice through education, training, and examinations. Today’s ceremony also witnessed the signing of a Letter of Intent with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), sponsorship support from The Straumann Group, and the conferment of the Malaysia-United Kingdom Travelling Fellowship (MUTF) to Universiti Malaya’s Dr Yu Wei.