Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) celebrated a major milestone as School of Engineering (SoE) lecturer Assistant Professor Ir Ts Dr Alexander Chee Hon Cheong was elected a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE), UK, recognising his professional leadership, industry contributions, and commitment to delivering world-class engineering education at APU.

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) celebrated a major professional benchmark as Assistant Professor Ir Ts Dr Alexander Chee Hon Cheong (CEng, FIMechE), from the School of Engineering (SoE), was officially elected a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE), United Kingdom, effective 7 October 2026.

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) is a globally revered body dedicated to driving mechanical engineering excellence, upholding professional standards, and spearheading technological innovation. 

Fellowship (FIMechE) stands as the highest class of professional membership within the Institution, reserved for engineers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, significant experience, and pioneering contributions to the field.

Assistant Professor Ir Ts Dr Alexander’s election to Fellowship marked a monumental chapter in his professional career while reflecting the international standing of APU’s academic faculty.

Beyond his academic duties, Dr Alexander actively championed the engineering profession through his work with the IMechE Malaysia Branch Committee, serving two consecutive terms from 2024 to 2026. 

His committee tenure highlighted a deep commitment to professional engagement, industry knowledge exchange, and building stronger bridges between academia and Malaysia’s engineering ecosystem.

At APU, Dr Alexander served as Assistant Professor, Programme Leader for Mechanical Engineering, and Digital Learning Architect at the Digital Learning Hub. 

In these roles, he drove engineering curriculum development, spearheaded research initiatives, and transformed technology-enhanced learning.

His multidisciplinary expertise spans mechanical engineering, robotics, intelligent manufacturing, engineering simulation, and digital learning innovation — embodying the future of modern engineering education.

Strengthening APU’s International Standing

The conferment of the FIMechE reinforced APU’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, professional competency, and global connectivity. 

For the SoE, it underscored the value of educators maintaining active involvement in global professional bodies, ensuring that students receive an education grounded in real-world experience, international standards, and cutting-edge technological advancements.

Welcoming the achievement, APU’s Chief Innovation, Enterprise & Sustainability Officer, Professor Ir EUR ING Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, who also serves as Chair of the International Strategy Board of the IMechE and is a Fellow of the Institution himself said that Dr Alexander’s election as an IMechE Fellow is a testament to his exemplary dedication, visionary leadership, and scholar-practitioner ethos. 

“Having observed his impact both within APU and across the IMechE Malaysia Branch, I am thrilled to see his contributions recognised at the highest international level. 

“His achievement exemplifies APU’s mission to lead engineering education with global rigour and real-world relevance.”

Reflecting on his conferment, Dr Alexander shared, being elected a Fellow of the IMechE is an immense honour and a deeply fulfilling milestone. 

“This recognition reflects not just a personal achievement, but the vibrant, forward-looking environment at APU that empowers us to bridge academic theory with world-class engineering practice. 

“I look forward to continuing to nurture our young engineers and contributing to the global engineering community.”

Dr Alexander also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Shaanxi University of Science and Technology (SUST), Dongying Vocational College (also known as Dongying Vocational Institute), and Jilin Animation Institute, China.

APU extended its warmest congratulations to Dr Alexander on his election as a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, celebrating his ongoing dedication to engineering education, leadership, and professional excellence.