Seven new researchers join Decision Lab today, and the 2026 batch starts here. Over the coming months they will learn to turn questions into evidence, and evidence into decisions that help businesses grow in an increasingly digital Vietnam.
Five values sit at the core of how we think, work, and hold ourselves to account, and this cohort will grow into all of them: Agile (keeping decisions moving as business priorities change), Ambitious (owning outcomes and measuring success by impact, not activity), Curious (chasing better tools, better methods, and faster answers), Rigorous (grounding every recommendation in sound, well-designed research), and Truth-seeking (saying clearly what the data shows, what it does not, and what it means).
The new talents bring ambition and a real appetite to learn
The MRC 2026 cohort arrives with strong academic foundations, sharp analytical thinking, and an appetite to keep learning. They question assumptions, examine ideas from every angle, and stay with the evidence until each conclusion is well supported. Their curiosity runs past what consumers do towards why markets move, how decisions are made, and where businesses can act with greater confidence.
Decision Lab is built for researchers who think this way. Every project rewards people who reason critically, learn continuously, and bring discipline to every recommendation. This cohort already carries that instinct, and the ambition to turn it into work that helps clients make clearer, stronger commercial decisions.
The seven faces behind MRC 2026
Every member of this year's cohort arrives with a different story, a different perspective, and their own hopes for the journey ahead.
- Tran Ngoc Tai Ngan – Foreign Trade University, Ho Chi Minh City Campus: “Becoming a Labster means turning my curiosity into meaningful impact through research and consulting. I'm excited to create lasting impact for clients, challenge my thinking, and grow relentlessly with every project.”
- Tran Nguyen Duc Tuan – University of Economics of Ho Chi Minh City: “I was drawn to MRC because I enjoy sitting with ambiguous questions, challenging easy answers, and turning evidence into decisions people can actually act on.”
- Nguyen Khac An Khang – University of Economics of Ho Chi Minh City: “I am determined to master advanced data analysis to make strategic, evidence-based decisions. Developing this skill will allow me to drive measurable impacts throughout the programme.”
- Le Nguyen Tuong Ngoc – University of Economics of Ho Chi Minh City: “The Bootcamp program is an ideal place to master market research rigorously while getting early exposure to various industries. I’m truly drawn to the culture here, where fresh grads are trusted with real ownership and empowered to grow rapidly from day one.”
- Nguyen Hoang Son – Bournemouth University: “What excites me most is chasing the gap between what consumers say and what they actually do, and learning, through the MRC programme, how to turn that gap into a decision that moves a client's business forward.”
- Ho Ngoc Quy Han – University of Economics of Ho Chi Minh City: “Research is a lot like writing, it takes daily discipline and an observant eye. I’m most looking forward to practicing both as a Consultant at Decision Lab”
- Tran Minh Huong Tho – RMIT University: “A year from now, I hope to be a researcher with cross-industry experience, producing practical insights that drive impactful business decisions, while strengthening my analytical and collaborative skills.”
The training that raises the bar from week one
The journey begins with three weeks of intensive bootcamp, introducing every participant to Decision Lab's research methodologies, analytical thinking, data products, and client service. Through hands-on learning and practical exercises, Associates build the foundations they will carry into every client engagement.
The next three to six months are spent rotating across four practices: Finance and Digital Platforms, Insight Velocity, Experience Economy, and Education. Each rotation brings different industries, business challenges, and live client projects, helping Associates deepen their research expertise, strengthen commercial judgement, and develop the confidence to work across diverse contexts.
Within six to twelve months, Associates progress to Consultant, taking ownership of day-to-day client relationships and supporting businesses with product expertise, commercial understanding, and research that leads to better decisions.
About Market Research Consultant Programme (MRC)
The Market Research Consultant Programme is Decision Lab's annual recruitment and development programme for aspiring market research consultants. Structured training, hands-on project work, and close mentoring guide every participant as they grow from an active learner into an independent Consultant.
Download the MRC Info Pack for more on the training structure, practice rotations, and the path from Associate to Consultant.