The Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026 in Singapore is a fully funded, six-month residential fellowship open to both Singaporean and international candidates. Fellows are expected to reside at the National Library Board, Singapore (Lee Kong Chian Reference Library) and conduct research on historical materials of Singapore and Southeast Asia. This fellowship is designed for curators, historians, academics, or independent researchers with established records of achievement, including those pursuing doctoral, postdoctoral, or advanced research.
The National Library Board, Singapore hosts this fellowship through the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, which serves as a hub for old and important books, maps, and writings about Singapore and its neighboring regions. It holds items such as the first books printed in Singapore, accounts from European explorers, historical maps, and works by prominent Singaporean writers, providing a rich resource for scholarly investigation.
Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship Benefits
- Monthly Stipend: S$3,500 to cover living expenses, local transport, and photocopying.
- Relocation Package: A one-time payment of S$1,500 (for overseas Fellows).
- Travel: One-time return airfare up to S$1,500 (reimbursement basis).
- Accommodation: Monthly allowance up to S$3,500 (reimbursement basis).
Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Applications are open to both local and international candidates.
- Must be able to research specific topics that highlight the Library’s collections.
- Applications are welcome from historians and curators.
- Applications are welcome from academics and independent researchers.
- Applications are welcome from scholars pursuing doctoral, postdoctoral, or advanced research.
- Must possess strong scholarly and research credentials.
- Should have a proven track record of achievement in their specific field.
- Must demonstrate the potential for further excellence in their research.
Areas of Research
- Arts & Literature:
- Critical inquiry into contemporary Singaporean literature or theatre since the 1950s.
- Development of visual, performing, or literary arts in Singapore and Malaya (early 20th century to Independence), with a focus on general, ethnic, or under-represented communities.
- Asian cultural heritage as seen through the Asian Children’s Literature Collection.
- Historical & Comparative Studies:
- Comparative studies of early Singapore and Malaya using both Western and Asian scholarly perspectives.
- Social history of pre-independence Singapore and Malaya.
- In-depth study of the Straits Settlements (Penang, Malacca, and Singapore) from 1826 to 1946.
- Special Collections & Archives:
- World War II research utilizing donor materials, such as the Toshio Egawa and Lim Shao Bin collections.
- Studies of the Chinese community through specific clan association records (e.g., Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan, Chin Kang Huay Kuan, and Kim Mui Hoey Kuan).
- Architecture & Culture:
- Architectural history of Singapore, including the lived experience of design and how architecture is remembered in local culture and literature.
Important Expectation from the Fellows
Selected fellows are expected to:
- Reside in Singapore during the fellowship period
- Spend significant time (around 75%) conducting research at the library
- Present their research findings
- Contribute to academic outputs (papers, publications, etc.)
Tips to Increase Your Chances
- Submit a clear and focused research proposal
- Align your topic with Singapore or Southeast Asia
- Highlight previous research work or publications
- Show how you will use the library’s unique resources
How to Apply for Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship?
- Complete the application form.
- Submit your application by 29 May 2026 via either of the following methods:
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail: The Administrator, Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship, National Library Headquarters, National Library Board, 100 Victoria Street, #14-01, Singapore 188064
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply, based on information from the official program details.
What is the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship?
The Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship is a fully funded, six-month residential fellowship for researchers to study historical materials of Singapore and Southeast Asia at the National Library Board, Singapore. It is open to both local and international candidates, including curators, historians, academics, or independent researchers with established records.
What are the financial benefits of this fellowship?
The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of S$3,500 for living expenses, a one-time relocation package of S$1,500 for overseas fellows, one-time return airfare up to S$1,500 on a reimbursement basis, and a monthly accommodation allowance up to S$3,500 on a reimbursement basis.
Who is eligible to apply for the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship?
Eligibility is open to both local and international applicants, including historians, curators, academics, independent researchers, and scholars pursuing doctoral, postdoctoral, or advanced research. Applicants must have strong scholarly credentials and a proven track record in their field.
What is the application deadline for the 2026 fellowship?
The application deadline for the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026 is 29 May 2026. Applications must be submitted by this date via email to [email protected] or by mail to the specified address.
What are the research areas supported by this fellowship?
Research areas include Arts & Literature (e.g., contemporary Singaporean literature, visual/performing arts), Historical & Comparative Studies (e.g., social history of pre-independence Singapore), Special Collections & Archives (e.g., World War II research), and Architecture & Culture (e.g., architectural history of Singapore).
What are the expectations from selected fellows?
Selected fellows are expected to reside in Singapore during the fellowship period, spend significant time (around 75%) conducting research at the library, present their research findings, and contribute to academic outputs such as papers or publications.
How can I apply for the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship?
To apply, complete the application form and submit it by 29 May 2026 via email to [email protected] or by mail to: The Administrator, Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship, National Library Headquarters, National Library Board, 100 Victoria Street, #14-01, Singapore 188064.
Is there an application fee for this fellowship?
No, there is no application fee for the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship, as stated in the official content.
What tips can increase my chances of being selected?
Tips include submitting a clear and focused research proposal, aligning your topic with Singapore or Southeast Asia, highlighting previous research work or publications, and showing how you will use the library’s unique resources.
Where will the fellowship take place?
The fellowship is residential, with fellows expected to reside at the National Library Board, Singapore, specifically the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, which houses historical materials on Singapore and Southeast Asia.
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