Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) strengthened its partnership with Shaanxi University of Science and Technology (SUST) through an MoU signing and the appointment of Assistant Professor Ir Ts Dr Alexander Chee Hon Cheong as an Adjunct Professor, supporting collaboration in research and postgraduate supervision in engineering and technology.

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Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) further strengthened its international academic and research engagement with China following an official visit to Shaanxi University of Science and Technology (SUST), China.

The visit marked a significant milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the appointment of an APU academic as an Adjunct Professor at the partner institution.

The MoU was formally signed by Associate Professor Dr Thang Ka Fei, APU’s Senior Head School of Technology (SoT), and Professor Yang Lee Jun, SUST’s Dean of the respective college.

The agreement established a structured framework for long-term collaboration, encompassing joint research activities, postgraduate supervision, academic staff and student exchanges, and collaborative initiatives across engineering-and technology-focused disciplines.

“This collaboration reflected APU’s strong commitment to building meaningful and sustainable academic partnerships in China. 

“By combining our complementary strengths, both institutions were well positioned to drive impactful research, particularly in engineering and applied technologies that aligned closely with industry needs,” said Associate Professor Dr Thang Ka Fei.

As part of the visit, Assistant Professor Ir Ts Dr Alexander Chee Hon Cheong, Programme Leader for the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at the School of Engineering (SoE), was officially appointed as an Adjunct Professor at SUST. 

The appointment letter was conferred by Professor Yang Lee Jun, marking an important advancement in APU–SUST academic cooperation. 

Dr Alexander, an academic specialising in engineering education and innovation, was recognised for his contributions at both APU and national levels, receiving a National Outstanding Innovator Award (Honourable Mention) at the Private Education Excellence Awards 2025. 

He was also certified as a ZEISS Metrology Trainer, played a key role in pioneering metrology education in Malaysia, and actively participated in international academic forums, including speaking on digital learning at a UNESCO and UNICEF event.

Dr Alexander was also appointed as an Adjunct Professor at DongYing Vocational College (DVC) in China, in recognition of his expertise in applied engineering education, digital learning, and industry-linked research.

In this role, Dr Alexander was expected to contribute primarily to research collaboration and postgraduate co-supervision, particularly within the College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and the College of Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics Engineering at SUST.

In addition, Dr Alexander was formally recognised as a Postgraduate Supervisor at SUST, enabling his direct involvement in the joint supervision of master’s and doctoral students. 

This recognition demonstrated the strong mutual confidence between both institutions in terms of academic quality, research capability, and shared aspirations in advancing applied research and talent development in engineering and intelligent manufacturing.

“It was an honour to be entrusted with this role at SUST. The appointment opened new avenues for collaborative research and postgraduate supervision, and I looked forward to working closely with colleagues and students to contribute to high-impact research in intelligent manufacturing, robotics, and engineering innovation,” said Dr Alexander.

The visit also featured an academic and cultural programme, including tours of SUST’s research facilities and the China Light Industry Museum of SUST. 

These visits offered valuable insights into the university’s heritage, research evolution, and strategic direction, while providing a broader context for identifying future collaborative opportunities.

Overall, the engagements reinforced both institutions shared vision for collaboration, particularly in advanced manufacturing, intelligent systems, robotics, and industry-aligned postgraduate research.

This milestone underscored APU’s continued commitment to expanding its global academic partnerships, strengthening its presence in China, and enhancing opportunities for collaborative research, postgraduate development, and international academic exchange. 

Through strategic partnerships such as this, APU continued to advance its mission of producing globally connected, industry-relevant graduates and delivering impactful research outcomes.