Regional communications leader with a background in media. I specialise in translating business priorities into clear, impactful stories that drive growth and strengthen brand and executive reputation among decision-makers, media, and government. At Mastercard, I led regional communications across 10 Southeast Asia markets. I worked closely with stakeholders to distil technical concepts into coherent, easy-to-understand communications materials for external audiences. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Marketing and Communications, and supported by seven PR agency teams, I operated independently across strategy and project management. I positioned products and solutions around real customer needs in today’s complex world. I also served as a steady hand to senior leaders during crises, applying discretion and sound judgement to navigate issues with care and precision, while protecting the business and its bottom line. Since leaving Mastercard, I’ve focused on professional development in AI while supporting a range of businesses, leveraging my skills in communications and PR to solve commercial bottlenecks.

Chitra Kumar

Regional communications leader with a background in media. I specialise in translating business priorities into clear, impactful stories that drive growth and strengthen brand and executive reputation among decision-makers, media, and government. At Mastercard, I led regional communications across 10 Southeast Asia markets. I worked closely with stakeholders to distil technical concepts into coherent, easy-to-understand communications materials for external audiences. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Marketing and Communications, and supported by seven PR agency teams, I operated independently across strategy and project management. I positioned products and solutions around real customer needs in today’s complex world. I also served as a steady hand to senior leaders during crises, applying discretion and sound judgement to navigate issues with care and precision, while protecting the business and its bottom line. Since leaving Mastercard, I’ve focused on professional development in AI while supporting a range of businesses, leveraging my skills in communications and PR to solve commercial bottlenecks.

Available to hire

Regional communications leader with a background in media.

I specialise in translating business priorities into clear, impactful stories that drive growth and strengthen brand and executive reputation among decision-makers, media, and government.

At Mastercard, I led regional communications across 10 Southeast Asia markets. I worked closely with stakeholders to distil technical concepts into coherent, easy-to-understand communications materials for external audiences.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Marketing and Communications, and supported by seven PR agency teams, I operated independently across strategy and project management. I positioned products and solutions around real customer needs in today’s complex world. I also served as a steady hand to senior leaders during crises, applying discretion and sound judgement to navigate issues with care and precision, while protecting the business and its bottom line.

Since leaving Mastercard, I’ve focused on professional development in AI while supporting a range of businesses, leveraging my skills in communications and PR to solve commercial bottlenecks.

See more

Language

Work Experience

Communications Lead, Southeast Asia at Mastercard
May 1, 2021 - July 1, 2025
Led regional executive communications and thought leadership across 10 Southeast Asia markets; managed a multi-agency support model; translated complex technology into clear external storytelling; prepared leaders for media engagements and speaking opportunities; guided strategy and project delivery; supported crisis leadership with discretion and precision.
Senior Communications Manager at Singapore Tourism Board
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2021
Strategic communications and digital engagement for government-led tourism initiatives; launched the board’s Facebook presence (rapid follower growth) and produced high-visibility campaign content; designed crisis communications playbooks and led regional training; secured major events and stakeholder engagement including a high-profile international conference.
Breaking News & Digital News Editor at The Straits Times
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2016
Reported on national and regional events; oversaw digital storytelling and real-time coverage for high-impact breaking news and ongoing digital initiatives.
News Reporter at CNA
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2014
Broadcast reporting across education policy, major reforms (e.g., PSLE curriculum), and heartland issues; contributed to cross-platform coverage.
Editorial Assistant at ACP Magazines (The Straits Times & Singapore's Women's Weekly)
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2010
Wrote for beauty, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment sections; gained experience in magazine and digital editorial workflows.

Education

Generative AI in Social Media & Content Creation at Republic Polytechnic
January 1, 2025 - May 5, 2026
Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Professional Certificate at Google - Coursera
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026
Bachelor of Communications Studies (Honours) at Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2008
Diploma in Marketing with Merit at Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2003

Qualifications

Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Professional Certificate
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026
Generative AI in Social Media & Content Creation
January 1, 2025 - May 5, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Government, Education, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality, Other