Social Research
We have three decades of experience and expertise in the design, deployment and completion of Social research studies, including nationwide surveys. (please click here for more information on our data collection)
In all those years, we have conducted numerous projects on a wide range of topics and have a strong track record of successfully implementing research & evaluation projects for clients such as the World Bank, UNOPS, UNDP, UNICEF, USAID, Save the Children, JICA, KOICA, giz and DIFID.
MSR’s Social Research division is the leading social research agency in Myanmar.
Areas of Expertise
MSR’s Social Research Unit is a trusted partner for international organizations, development agencies, and NGOs seeking robust, evidence-based insights into Myanmar’s evolving social landscape. With over 30 years of experience, we have delivered nationwide studies for leading clients including the World Bank, UNDP, UNOPS, IFPRI, USAID, UNESCO, UNICEF, UN Women, agencies, and a wide range of INGOs, consistently recognized for quality, innovation, and professionalism. Our expertise spans rural development, healthcare, nutrition, education, livelihoods, migration, financial inclusion, gender, labor, media, and public opinion research. By combining methodological rigor with cultural and conflict sensitivity, we generate findings that inform policies and programs designed to create meaningful impact across Myanmar.
MSR has extensive experience in evidence-based research addressing Myanmar’s most pressing social issues, including migration, gender equality, labor, disability, youth, religion, and community security. Our studies have explored migration as a livelihood strategy, gender-based violence, barriers to disability inclusion, youth engagement with social media, and working conditions in the labor and garment sectors, including child labor and workers’ socio-economic contributions. Through this work, we remain committed to advancing inclusion, equity, and sustainable social development.
MSR has extensive experience in health and nutrition research, including reproductive and maternal health, child protection, malaria prevention, and health system strengthening. Using surveys, interviews, and focus groups, we assess community knowledge, behaviors, and service delivery to provide actionable insights that inform interventions and improve services. Our mixed-methods approach supports stronger, more equitable health systems across Myanmar.
MSR has extensive experience in education research, examining school systems, classroom practices, and policy reforms. Our work includes nationwide surveys on school funding, classroom observations, and evaluations of major initiatives such as the Myanmar-UK Partnership for Education. Through both quantitative and qualitative methods, we generate evidence that informs policy, strengthens education delivery, and supports reforms for more inclusive and effective learning across Myanmar.
MSR has long-standing expertise in nationwide opinion polls and household surveys, applying scientifically robust methods to capture public perceptions, political attitudes, and participation trends. Our work supports governance, peacebuilding, and civic engagement by providing reliable evidence to policymakers, civil society, election commissions, and development partners. Recent studies include the Gallup World Poll and nationally representative surveys on democratic participation and social trust, helping to strengthen inclusive governance and more responsive civic processes in Myanmar.
MSR has conducted media-related studies across Myanmar. Our work includes nationwide audience and media perception surveys for international organizations. Recent projects include the Endline Learning Assessment for UNESCO’s ESPIG Programme and media audience surveys for the BBC World Service. Using robust quantitative and mixed-method approaches, we provide evidence to measure program outcomes, assess social and cultural impacts, and generate insights that help development partners, donors, and media organizations improve programming and outreach.
Our experience includes energy access, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure development across Myanmar. Our studies have examined informal settlements, fuel and charcoal consumption, renewable energy adoption, communication networks, and rural development initiatives. Using robust mixed-method approaches, we provide reliable evidence that helps development partners, government agencies, and international organizations design effective policies, strengthen planning, and promote sustainable growth.
MSR’s experience includes research that supports rural livelihoods and community development across Myanmar. Our studies have examined agriculture, land use, rural infrastructure, and community resilience, using both large-scale surveys and qualitative approaches. MSR has conducted impact assessment and rural livelihood studies for the World Bank and other partners. By generating evidence on the challenges and opportunities faced by rural communities, MSR provides insights that help design policies and programs for more sustainable and inclusive rural development.
MSR has strong expertise in researching finance, investment, and financial inclusion in Myanmar. Our work spans enterprise surveys, household financial capability assessments, foreign direct investment studies, and access-to-finance initiatives. Recent projects include the Myanmar Agricultural Performance Survey and Financial Inclusion Surveys for development partners. Using both large-scale quantitative and mixed-method approaches, we provide evidence that informs policy, strengthens financial systems, and expands access for unbanked and underserved populations.
