Melissa Guan

Melissa is Vice President and Head, Consumer at the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). She oversees EDB’s global Consumer practice, across the food and nutrition, beverages, luxury, beauty and personal care, luxury and lifestyle subsectors.

Prior to her current appointment, Melissa was Regional Vice President (Japan & Korea) of EDB’s International Operations and held a concurrent role as Counsellor (Industry) at the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Tokyo, where she led engagements of key Japanese and Korean companies. 

Melissa joined EDB in 2018, overseeing the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology portfolio in the Healthcare Division. In addition to managing key Healthcare accounts, Melissa was also involved in the development of the Healthcare industry in emergent areas such as digital health, cell and gene therapy and vaccines manufacturing.

Prior to joining EDB, Melissa had a stint as Associate Director of Business Development at Tessa Therapeutics, where she was part of a team responsible for the management of commercial innovation activities and government relations. Melissa also spent time in a series of roles at the Biomedical Sciences Industry Partnership Office, a national programme office set up by the EDB, Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR) and National Medical Research Council, responsible for public-private R&D alliances. Melissa began her career at the National Neuroscience Institute, investigating the molecular mechanisms of Parkinson’s Disease.

Melissa graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences.