Subspecialty surgical training is an integral part of continuous professional development. It represents a unique opportunity for surgeons to enhance and develop specific advanced skills in their sub-disciplines. Hence, hands-on training in an international training centre abroad allows one to bring home new technical and management skills in the expansion of Malaysian surgical services to raise to be on par with the international standards. The unexpected onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought in previously unknown hindrances to the training both locally and abroad but our success in engagement with international centres despite the pandemic restrictions serves as a valuable experience towards maintaining international networking for future collaborations.