In 2003, a group of like-minded surgeons formed a special interest group, with the objective of improving the quality of colorectal surgery in Malaysia. This subsequently developed into the Malaysian Society of Colorectal Surgeons, which was formally registered with the Registry of Societies Malaysia, in 2005.

Since then, the society has pursued its goals of promoting colorectal services, training and research through a multitude of activities, including scientific conferences, workshops, access to academic literature and postgraduate training funding, as well as advocating for colorectal surgeons. Its flagship conference is the annual Coloproctology meeting in March, during which the AGM is held.

The society also maintains strong collaborations with sister societies internationally, as well as related societies such as enterostomal therapy nurses associations, ostomy societies and colorectal cancer survivor support groups.

Members comprise qualified colorectal surgeons, from both private and public sectors, the latter of which include academics and Ministry of Health surgeons. Associate membership is open to those who do not fulfil the criteria for full membership.

Our members maintain strong links with international experts and associations, and are often invited to speak at international conferences, such as the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) Annual Scientific Meeting, International Society of Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery, Asia-Pacific Federation of Coloproctology (APFCP) and ASEAN Society of Colorectal Surgeons (ASCS). We have a good track record of organizing and hosting international events, through collaborating with international societies such as the APFCP, ASCS and the Indian Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, to host their scientific meetings.

Malaysian surgeons benefit from these activities as it allows them to develop and update their knowledge and skills in a cost-effective manner, while minimizing away from work providing healthcare services to the Malaysian public. It allows local trainers to network with overseas trainers to establish training links, and local researchers can lay the groundwork for collaborative research.