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DHEEd's SNU Collaboration Reaches Fruition with a Research Colloquium
By: Janah Yang
The Department of Home Economics Education, (DHEEd), College of Home Economics, University of the Philippines and the Department of Consumer Science, College of Human Ecology, Seoul National Unversity conducted an online academic joint event titled Consumer Studies in South Korea and the Philippines: First Research Colloquium last October 16 via Zoom. The event sought to acquire insights about current consumer-related issues and trends in the Philippines and South Korea that could prove advantageous for home economics and consumer studies education and research as much as the intent to connect with researchers from other universities.
While 174 registered for the event, more than 190 attendees from thirteen institutions were present. The audience, which mainly comprised faculty members and graduate students, is introduced to four presenters: Dr. Youngwon Nam and Dr. Sohyun Kim served as representatives for DCS, while Dr. Joanne R. Bantang and Asst. Prof. Helenay Ann A. Jimenez presented on behalf of DHEEd. By the end of each presentation, an open forum would take place in which attendees are encouraged to provide feedback.
Dr. Nam began the series of presentations with her research, "How could individual characteristics and market conditions shape consumer satisfaction? Using the 2021 Consumption Life Indicators in Korea." The study generally delves into the value of individual and environmental factors in determining consumer satisfaction.
Meanwhile, in her work, "Consumers' Understanding of Nutrition Labels & Claims: Selected Evidence from Philippine Experience," Dr. Bantang pointed out that Filipino consumers have a practical understanding of food labels and claims. She also acknowledged the role of legal, educational, and retail environments in sustaining such knowledge, which may contribute to wiser decision-making and food consumption.
Following this, Asst. Prof. Jimenez presented "Price Sensitivity and Willingness to Pay Based on Consumer Characteristics and Product Attributes," showing that consumers are less price-sensitive as they eye for high-end products, color, and durability and technology under the economic, aesthetic, and functionality attributes, respectively.
As the last presenter, Dr. Kim explored Home Meal Replacements and meal kits in consumer contexts through her study, "Trends in the Replacement of Home-cooked Meal: HMR (Home Meal Replacement) Products vs. Meal Kits." She indicated that both HMR and meal kits have increased in recent years, though the demands of consumers focus on fresh ingredients and complete cooking components. In turn, food companies have followed through to keep up with the growing competitiveness within the HMR market.
Learning does not occur in a vacuum. DCS Head Dr. Jong-Youn Rha even expressed in her welcoming remarks that the "...colloquium will be a wonderful opportunity for everyone attending to learn about the similarities and differences about each other's consumption life." As most attendees have agreed upon, relevant and timely topics significantly aided the exchange of ideas. DHEEd Chairpersion Asst. Prof. Mary Justine Trinidad closed the event, echoing the same sentiments along with the home that this colloquium shall be "... a stepping stone toward more profound research, further collaboration, and impactful contributions to [...] home economics and consumer science fields." Considering the audience's overall satisfaction, perhaps the future partnership between DHEEd and DCS will realize and strengthen this hope sooner than expected.