Dr. Philip Chen graduated from the University of Southern California in 1974 with a doctorate in aerospace engineering and a minor in computer science. After working as a research scientist with McDonnell Douglas Research Laboratories and Dynamic Technology, and publishing numerous scientific research papers and reports in fluid dynamics, intrumentations, numerical computations and data processing, Dr. Chen decided to branch out and maximize his talents in the technology sector. He founded his company, Apex Computer Systems, Inc. in 1983. Today, Apex is a nationwide service organization that provides desktop support services, network infrastructure, and business software solutions to clients ranging in size from small local companies to Fortune 500 enterprises. A minority Chinese-owned business who understands the challenges of today’s environment, Apex is deeply dedicated to educating and assisting the Chinese-owned small business community in Southern California through support and involvement in various community business organizations and hosting free informational seminars on a regular basis.
In 1977, Dr. Chen co-established the first ethnic Jaycee chapter in St. Louis. In 1980, he served as the President of the Southern California Alumni Association of National Taiwan University. In 1985, he was the National Vice President of Organization of Chinese Americans, where he was in charge of economic development. In 1987, he acted as President of the Asian Business Association, and in 1996, Dr. Chen was Asian Entrepreneur of the Year. He was elected as the President of Chinese-American Computer Association in 1996, and in 1999 the Chairman of the organization.
In 1999, Dr. Chen gathered a group of IT elite in Southern California and established a yearlong mentoring program to help Chinese IT professionals face the challenges in the new millennium. This program has been a tremendous success and is now in its 10th year. In 2003, Dr. Chen and the mentors of this program established Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) to further extend their services to Asian professionals.