Kuala Lumpur, 22 August 2025 – Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Member of Parliament for Bandar Tun Razak and spouse of Malaysia’s Prime Minister, has been conferred the Honorary Fellowship in Surgery by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) in recognition of her decades-long contributions to medicine, advocacy, and public service.
The award—bestowed during the RCSEd’s diploma ceremony—honours individuals whose influence transcends clinical practice to encapsulate leadership, societal advocacy, and service to humanity. The fellowship was formally presented by RCSEd President Professor Rowan Parks.
Reflecting on the distinction, Dr Wan Azizah expressed deep gratitude:
“Please allow me to sincerely thank the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh for this prestigious award. On a personal note, this is a humbling experience and a truly special occasion.”
An ophthalmologist by training, Dr Wan Azizah used the platform to underscore the pivotal role of surgeons within healthcare systems. She emphasized that professional integrity, alongside ethical conduct, is as indispensable as clinical skill itself.
The ceremony also celebrated the achievements of 125 newly minted diplomates in surgery and dentistry, hailing from countries across the region including Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Egypt, and Nigeria.
Marking its fourth consecutive year in Kuala Lumpur, the RCSEd diploma ceremony has become a significant international fixture, reinforcing the college’s close ties with Southeast Asia’s medical and dental communities. In a bid to deepen this regional engagement, RCSEd recently relocated its International Office to Putrajaya, with aims to expand training programs, courses, and examination offerings.
