His research interests are in the genetics of intervertebral disc degeneration and scoliosis, stem cell regeneration of the disc, and the development of novel surgical technologies for the treatment of spinal deformities. He has been invited as visiting professor and speaker on multiple occasions to international meetings. He has published 11 book chapters and 195 publications in top scientific and spine journals, including Lancet, American Journal of Human Genetics, Arthritis and Rheumatism, Biomaterials, Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery and Spine.

Professor Cheung holds 15 patents and has 16 personal and 37 team awards for research excellence. Notable in 2008, he received the Henry Farfan Award from the North American Spine Society for his outstanding contributions in spine related basic science research; in 2010, he received the prestigious ISSLS prize from the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine; and in 2012 received a prestigious endowed professorship in Spine Surgery from the University of Hong Kong. He has secured multiple research grants from local, regional and international granting bodies totaling over US$5 million.