Irish Connection

In order to strengthen its presence in Asia, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) has opened a new office in Kuala Lumpur.

“The launch of this new centre reflects Ireland’s strong bilateral relationship with Malaysia,” said Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Tanaiste Brian Cowen, who officially opened the office recently.

Present at the official opening of RCSI’s Malaysia office in Kuala Lumpur are (from left) RCSI vice-dean of admissions Dr Kenneth Winser, Loke and Cowen.

“This centre will help to raise international awareness of Ireland.

“It will also highlight the importance of education as a bridge to Asia, and help cultivate friendships along the way,” he added.

The first batch of RCSI graduates who registered to practise in Malaysia was the class of 1942. Since then, there has been a steady stream of returning graduates to Malaysia. Presently, there are about 1,000 Malaysians on RCSI’s alumni list.

Around 90 Malaysian students enrol every year at RCSI in Ireland.

Another 120 sign up with Penang Medical College (PMC), a college established in collaboration with RCSI and University College Dublin, Ireland. PMC students undertake their pre-clinical studies in Ireland and return to Penang for their clinical training.

“RCSI’s Malaysia office will serve as the PMC admissions office,” said RCSI Malaysia Sdn Bhd general manager, Damian Loke Weng Yew.

Incepted in 1784, RCSI first became prominent as the need for army and navy surgeons during the Napoleonic wars provided stimulus for growth. It has since become one of the world’s leading institutions in medical disciplines. RCSI invests heavily in research and development.