MRII is pleased to share our spotlight winner of the MRII Emerging Markets Award in Asia Pacific region, Elena Domingo from the Philippines. Her innovative work as Lead UX Researcher helped to power Tala Financing Philippines, Inc. She will receive two free Principles Express courses to further sharpen her tools and impact.
We also wish to acknowledge the regional runner-up, Aamod Tyagi of India, Associate Director of Client Services at Market Xcel, whose contributions likewise stood out among a strong field. He will receive a complimentary Principles Express course in recognition of his achievements.
The MRII 2025 Emerging Markets Award, presented in partnership with the University of Georgia and ESOMAR and sponsored by our partner OvationMR, celebrates the dedication and achievements of its recipients, showcasing their potential to shape the future of market research.
What motivated you to apply for the MRII Emerging Markets Award?
The organizations behind the award are highly respected in our field, and I knew that exposure to their programs would be valuable in expanding both my knowledge and perspective. I’m also grateful to my colleagues who introduced me to the program and encouraged me to apply. When I saw the opportunity, it was an easy yes.
What does it mean to you that you were selected as an Award winner?
It’s an honor to be selected. It also excites me to know that opportunities like this are becoming more accessible for researchers in the Philippines. Formal programs in Market and Insights research remain limited, and many are costly or hard to access. This award helps open doors not just for me, but for others who might now see research as a viable and meaningful path.
Tell us about your motivations for pursuing an MR/Insights career!
I’ve always been fascinated by human behavior – what people feel, why they decide the way they do, or how they adapt. Research gives you the privilege of being let into people’s lives and stories, from the everyday to the deeply personal. What I love most is connecting those stories to better products, services, and experiences that can genuinely improve people’s lives.
What were your initial expectations for the Principles Express course you took? Tell us about your experience with the course. What feature[s] about the course was most valuable to you?
To be honest, I expected a standard course filled with readings and tests. What I appreciated was how it went beyond theory, it featured real global case studies and lessons from accomplished researchers. I also valued how ethics was woven into every module, especially in an age when data can so easily be misused.
How do you look to leverage your course experience as you progress in your research and insights career?
I work at Tala, where customer insights are truly taken seriously, they aren’t just nice-to-have. Every day we interact with customers who face real financial obstacles, I am reminded why responsible, well-informed research matters. This course helps sharpen my tools so I can be a more effective thought partner: to bridge what people need + what business aims for, and to ensure that insights lead to better outcomes for both.
