Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship on Singapore and Southeast Asian Culture, Economy and Heritage
The National Library of Singapore invites applications for the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship programme, a fellowship to research valuable historical materials, dating from the 16th century, on Singapore and Southeast Asia in the collections of the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library and the National Archives of Singapore.
Besides historical materials from the Gibson-Hill Collection, Ya Yin Kwan (or Palm Shade Pavilion) Collection, Logan Collection, Rost Collection as well as the former Raffles Library Collection, the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library also holds significant and early works documenting the history of Singapore and the region, which include imprints from Singapore’s earliest printing presses, early European accounts of Southeast Asia, early maps and charts of the region and archives of prominent Singapore authors. The National Archives of Singapore holds records of national or historical significance acquired from public agencies, private sources and overseas institutions and archives.
The Library welcomes applications from curators, historians, academics or independent researchers with established records of achievement in their chosen fields of research. Scholars pursuing doctoral, postdoctoral or advanced research are also encouraged to apply.
Recipients are expected to remain in residence at the library, located in the central district of Singapore, during the period of their fellowship and to focus their time on researching the collections in the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library.
Research Area
Preference is given to the following fields of research for 2019:
- Study of local arts in Singapore using collections such as the Tamil Digital Archive, Liu Kang collection, oral history recordings
- Critical inquiry on Singapore contemporary literature/ writers (or any art genres) post 1965
- Comparative study of early Singapore and/or Malaya from Western and Asian scholarship and perspectives
- Maritime development in Singapore and the Straits from 14th to 21st century
- Asian diaspora in Southeast Asia with special reference to Singapore, Malaysia & Indonesia
- Singapore social welfare in post-independence Singapore
- In-depth analysis of Singapore newspapers through NewspaperSG
- British administration of Singapore post-1945 using Michael J. L. Gorrie’s collection from NAS
Who Can Apply?
The LKC Research Fellowship is open to both local and foreign applicants who are able to undertake prescribed research topics that raise awareness of our collections. Successful applicants should have scholarly and research credentials or their equivalent. Applicants could be curators, historians, academics or independent researchers who should preferably have an established record of achievement in their chosen field of research and the potential to excel further.
Terms of the Award
The award of the Fellowship is for a period of six months.
A stipend of up to a maximum of S$2,000 per month will be provided to help LKC Research Fellows meet living expenses, local transportation and photocopying expenses.
In addition to the stipend, overseas Fellows will be provided with a one-time relocation package of $1,500, a one-time return airfare of up to $1500 (reimbursement basis), and monthly accommodation allowance of up to $2,500 (reimbursement basis).
Applications should be emailed to LKCRF@nlb.gov.sg or mailed to the following address by 15 April 2019.
Attn: The Administrator
Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship
National Library Headquarters
National Library Board
100 Victoria Street,
#14-01
Singapore 188064
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Notification of acceptance or rejection will be made known within 3 months of the closing date.
