The Royal College of Edinburgh, one of the oldest such Colleges in the World, has launched its International Strategy to support Surgeons and Dentists worldwide, through education, training and examinations and to advocate for the Highest Standards of Surgical and Dental Care, focusing on worldwide Patient Safety Standards and Practices.

Based in Scotland with a membership of 27,000 from over 100 countries, RCSEd has championed the highest standards of surgical and dental practice in the U.K. for the past 500 years, has influenced the healthcare policy across the United Kingdom and is now paving its way through Malaysia, to reach across the ASEAN region. In 2018, RCSED announced a collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM to create RCSED Malaysia in order to better serve the needs of existing and future members in the development of their career.

The launch ceremony, officiated by Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, as Royal Chancellor of UKM and Honorary Fellow of RCSEd was held at the UKM Medical Centre in Cheras. This launch showcased the parties' commitment to deliver, promote, and influence excellence and advancement in surgical practice and healthcare through leadership, innovation and standards in education, training, examinations and continuing professional development. It also aims at encouraging surgical profession as the career of choice.

Vice President of RCSEd, Mr Pala Rajesh, said, "The current shortage of surgeons in Malaysia, a growing elderly population, plus ongoing trends toward increased healthcare utilisation have all certainly contributed to a higher demand for surgical services. The country needs more surgeons in the future and RCSEd wants to encourage junior doctors and medical students at their clinical years to pursue their career in surgery and to review the available options."

In 2018, UKM partnered with RCSEd to launch their International Office where it is now located at the Advanced Surgical Skills Centre (ASSC) in UKM Medical Centre. ASSC prides itself as one of the most comprehensive and versatile surgical training centres in Malaysia.

In conjunction with the launch, RCSEd held its first Career Day in Malaysia. The career day provided a full introduction on RCSEd's International Office in Kuala Lumpur, its activities and how the College can support international medical students. Renowned surgeons presented highly relevant topics, including Women Surgeons, Training Opportunities in the U.K., International Membership Examinations and Parallel Pathways. About 100 students and young doctors from around Malaysia attended the event.