Creative Thinker,
I’m Christel Chong
Leader and Doer
Creating ideas that matter - to consumers, communities and culture
About Christel
Hello I’m Christel, Senior Creative at 1000heads APAC in Sydney, where I lead creative strategy, ideation and direction, constantly digging into what makes people tick and turning those human truths into ideas across social and activation. I work with brands like UNIQLO Australia, Webflow and Microsoft AI Genius, bringing to life ideas that are culturally aware, socially fluent and genuinely useful to the people they’re made for.
With over 15 years’ experience across three cities, I’ve built my career around creating work that resonates with consumers, communities and culture. Before joining 1000heads, I was Creative Director and Creative Partner for Global Business at DDB Hong Kong, leading an agile team, driving regional APAC campaigns, championing diverse collaboration and finding new ways to make ambitious ideas happen.
I’ve judged at major shows including Cannes Lions, picked up a mix of creative and effectiveness awards along the way, including a Grand Effie and I still love the thrill of a good pitch.
Outside of the fast pace of agency life, I enjoy the quiet pleasures of slow living. And one day, I hope to make my comeback and cross the finish line of my fourth marathon.
Experience
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02.2025 - PRESENT | 1000HEADS SYDNEY
Currently leading creative for brands such as UNIQLO, Webflow and Microsoft AI Genius.
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07.2020 - 12.2023 | DDB (Hong Kong)
Led the creative team that handled all regional brands within DDBHK, including Jardines, Carlyle and Co. and Mannings Own Brand.
Successfully won several new business pitches for brands such as livibank, Lindt, LANDMARK, Marriott-Bonvoy, Hotels.com Global Merchandising, Shangri-la and Parklane Hotel.
Led the team and ran integrated campaigns across APAC for brands such as Hotels.com, FWD Insurance.
Campaigns awarded at New York Festivals, Campaign Brief’s The Work, Madstars, Caples, Adfest, Effie Awards, Dragons of Asia, The Markies and Kam Fan Awards.
Completed The Phyllis Project, a global initiative that enables and encourages females to thrive in leadership roles.
Completed the Bernbach Leadership Program.
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10.2018 - 06.2020 | DDB (Hong Kong)
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02.2015 - 09.2018 | RedFuse Communications (Hong Kong)
Worked on all Colgate Palmolive brands within the APAC region, focusing on integrated retail, digital and TV creatives for oral and personal care.
08.2013 - 02.2015 | Rapp (Malaysia)
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06.2011 - 08.2013 | LeoBurnett/Alpha245/ArcWW, Kuala Lumpur
06.2010 - 04.2011 | Freelance stints in Sydney
02.2006 - 02.2010 | Young & Rubicam, Kuala Lumpur