Women to Watch 2025: Melissa Tee, Publicis Chemistry

Melissa Tee

Business lead
Publicis Chemistry
Singapore

Melissa Tee has a clear interest in how people behave and how social platforms are changing the game. Since taking charge at Publicis Chemistry post its 2024 launch, she’s working toward making the agency’s approach to community management more culture-driven, inclusive, and creatively bold. 

Tee joined Publicis in 2016 and steadily cut through the ranks from account executive to senior account director. In 2024, she was chosen to lead the launch of Publicis Chemistry, the Groupe’s first dedicated social-first agency. 

Under her leadership, the agency has expanded to employ 44 employees in under two years and has picked up a reputation for cultural insight, strong employee retention, and most importantly, measurable business impact. Some examples include: Singtel’s rise in first-choice preference, Disney Cruise Line’s social launch which accounted for the majority of Asia leads, Visa’s Gen Z increase in recall, and GOMO’s campaign which reduced churn by while increasing sign-ups.

Beyond the numbers, Tee prioritises building a supportive and inclusive culture. About 71% of Chemistry employees report feeling psychologically safe and empowered at work, contributing to an 80% staff retention rate—that’s twice that of the industry average. She hires with an eye for cultural understanding and has assembled a diverse team that moves quickly and creatively in social media.

Accolades have been plenty. At 25, she won Publicis’ Boldest Change Agent award and joined leadership programs like LeStudio and Next Gen Leaders. Publicis Chemistry has also won Gold and Silver at Campaign’s Agency of the Year SEA Awards and was runner-up for Effie Agency of the Year 2024—all within its first year.

Tee gives back by mentoring junior talent, supports creative communities, and works with entrepreneurs. She’s also developing platforms to help underrepresented creators gain visibility and shift social media’s focus from popularity to meaningful cultural relevance.