David Tan spent nearly thirteen years at Leo Kuala Lumpur before he joined 72andSunny Singapore in 2025. He returns now to Publicis and Malaysia as creative lead at Publicis Chemistry Malaysia.

He adds his deep creative craft and instinctive social thinking to the agency, joining forces with Anna Ragen, business head of Publicis Chemistry Malaysia, to strengthen Publicis Chemistry Malaysia’s creative ambition and sharpen its position as a truly social-first player. In just two years, Publicis Chemistry Malaysia has grown into a 50-strong team, building strong momentum through a clear focus on content strategy, creative development, community management, and always-on engagement aligned with cultural shifts.

Ragen, who stepped into her expanded role in January 2025, has played a key role in steering that growth. Formerly social media director at Publicis Groupe Malaysia, her expertise in platforms and communities have helped to shape an agency that understands how brands show up meaningfully in culture, not just campaigns.

Tan’s appointment marks a deliberate move to elevate Publicis Chemistry Malayia’s creative output as it enters its next chapter. He will report to Emir Shafri, chief creative officer, Publicis Groupe Malaysia. During his time at Leo, Tan was part of the team behind Heineken’s Heidden In Plain Sight, which won a Bronze at Cannes Lions 2024, alongside 5 Grand Prix and 3 Gold wins across Spikes Asia, MAD Stars, ADFEST and Kancils. Since 2023, Tan has consistently ranked among Malaysia’s top 10 most awarded creatives.

Originally launched in Singapore in 2024, Publicis Chemistry is a new kind of social-first agency – fluid, adaptive and built around how culture moves. It strengthens Publicis Groupe’s Power of One model by connecting data, media signals and creative content more seamlessly, delivering work that is both culturally relevant and commercially effective.

Firzan Mulafer, managing director, Publicis Communications Malaysia, commented, “This team has been deliberately handpicked and curated to reflect where advertising is today, rooted in culture, moving at speed and built to stay ahead of constant change. The momentum Publicis Chemistry is enjoying in Malaysia is a result of putting the right people together at the right time.”

Tan added, “Returning to Publicis and back to Malaysia feels like a drop of forest green paint falling onto a brown canvas. Anna and her team understand how brands show up in culture, not just campaigns. Coming back to be part of that works hand-in-hand with what I am passionate about: ideas rooted in a ‘Humankind’ philosophy. I’m excited to help shape what Publicis Chemistry Malaysia becomes next.”

Cover image l-r: David Tan & Anna Ragen