APU strengthened its ties with DongYing Vocational College (DVC), China, during a visit led by Associate Professor Dr Thang Ka Fei, Senior Head of the School of Technology (SoT), with the delegation including Assistant Professor Ir Ts Dr Alexander Chee Hon Cheong, who was appointed as an Adjunct Professor, and featuring the unveiling of the Overseas Study Training Base and a dedicated workshop, facility tours, and in-depth discussions on applied education and research aimed at enhancing student learning and strengthening China–Malaysia academic collaboration.

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Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) continued to advance its internationalisation strategy and commitment to applied, industry-relevant education through a strategic academic engagement with DongYing Vocational College (DVC), China.

The APU delegation, led by Associate Professor Dr Thang Ka Fei, Senior Head School of Technology (SoT) included Assistant Professor Ir Ts Dr Alexander Chee Hon Cheong, Programme Leader for the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering School of Engineering (SoE); Mr Loong Say Siang, Manager of International Development, Student Services and Marketing; and Ms Elaine Ngan Ei Lin, Student Services Executive.

They were warmly welcomed by Mr Xie Tao, President of DVC, during the unveiling ceremony of the DongYing Vocational College Overseas Study Training Base, alongside his senior colleagues.

The visit featured a series of high-level academic exchanges, institutional discussions, and formal ceremonies that strengthened the long-term collaboration between the two institutions. 

A key milestone was the formal recognition of the Overseas Study Training Base, established to support international cooperation in applied education. 

This platform will host joint applied education programmes, short-term workshops, research-led teaching initiatives, and talent development pathways.

“The Training Base represents an exciting opportunity to bring students and faculty closer to industry practices, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application,” said Associate Professor Dr Thang Ka Fei. 

“It will enhance curriculum relevance, encourage mobility, and align learning outcomes with industry needs in both Malaysia and China.”

During the engagement, representatives from APU and DVC held in-depth discussions on applied education models, talent cultivation, and practice-oriented research collaboration, reflecting a shared vision to integrate teaching, research, and industry engagement within a sustainable international framework.

This collaborative discussion was further reinforced during the MoU signing ceremony, where Dr Thang represented APU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, formalising the partnership and reaffirming APU’s commitment to strengthening institutional ties and advancing sustainable international collaboration.

Another highlight was the Appointment Ceremony, during which Assistant Professor Ir Ts Dr Alexander Chee Hon Cheong was formally appointed as an Adjunct Professor at DVC, recognising his expertise in applied engineering education, digital learning, and industry-linked research.

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

He was also certified as a ZEISS Metrology Trainer, helped pioneer metrology education in Malaysia, and participated in international academic and educational events, including speaking on digital learning at a UNESCO and UNICEF forum.

Following the appointment, the ‘Ir Ts Dr Alexander Chee Hon Cheong Workshop’ was unveiled at DVC, serving as a dedicated base for research, professional training, and industry collaboration. 

The workshop is designed to support practice-oriented projects, staff development, and student engagement in real-world engineering and technological challenges.

The delegation also toured DVC’s applied manufacturing and intelligent production facilities, where faculty showcased student projects, precision-manufactured components, and hands-on training outcomes. 

“Seeing these facilities in action highlights the importance of skills-based education and the incredible potential of applied learning when aligned with industry standards. 

“It was inspiring to witness the students’ creativity and technical expertise firsthand,” said Dr Alexander.

The visit concluded with a bilateral meeting to explore future collaboration, including joint programme development, applied research projects, professional training initiatives, and long-term talent development strategies. 

Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to transforming international academic collaboration into meaningful educational, research, and societal impact.

This engagement with DongYing Vocational College reflects APU’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its global academic network and promote internationalised, industry-driven education through sustainable, outcome-focused partnerships.