Chen moved from Malaysia at age 16 and completed medical training in the University of Otago in 2008. He completed his General Surgical training (FRACS) in 2016. Chen obtained his Masters in Medical Science in 2018, looking into the molecular genetics of colorectal cancers. He then underwent further sub-specialty training in Colorectal surgery under the ANZTBCRS program in Sydney and Melbourne. He became a full member of the CSSANZ in 2020. He and his young family moved back to New Zealand and have since settled in Palmerston North. He is employed as a General Surgical Consultant in Palmerston North Hospital.

Chen offers a wide variety of open and laparoscopic general surgical procedures with particular interest in treating Colorectal disease. He also performs Endoscopy regularly.