Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship Programme

Focus Areas

• Critical inquiry on Singapore contemporary literature or theatre from the 1950s
• Comparative study of early Singapore and/or Malaya from western and Asian scholarship and perspectives
• Arts and culture in Singapore and Malaya from the early 20th century to independence – exploring the development of the visual, performing or literary arts amongst the general population, specific ethnic or under-represented communities
• Study of World War II materials through donor’s materials such as Toshio Egawa’s collection, Lim Shao Bin’s collection.
• Social history of pre-independent Singapore (Malaya)
• Study of Chinese community through clan association materials such as Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan’s collection, Chin Kang Huay Kuan’s collection and Kim Mui Hoey Kuan’s collection
• Natural history and Biodiversity
• Development of economic sectors, professions and trades in Singapore within the context of historical global developments
• Area history of places and spaces in Singapore
• Study of the cultural heritage of Asia through the Asian Children’s Literature Collection

Benefits

• A research space at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library including a computer with internet access
• Access to the library’s collections
• Introduction to a library staff who can recommend resources from the collections

Funding Information

• A stipend of S$3,500 per month will be provided to help Lee Kong Chian 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).
• The award of the Fellowship is for a period of six months.

Eligibility Criteria

• They welcome applications from curators, historians, academics or independent researchers with established records of achievement in their chosen fields of research. Those pursuing doctoral, postdoctoral or advanced research are also encouraged to apply. They should preferably have an established record of achievement in their chosen field of research and the potential to excel further.
• The Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship is open to both local and foreign applicants who are able to undertake prescribed research topics that raise awareness of their collections. Successful applicants should have scholarly and research credentials or their equivalent.

Selection Criteria

• Research should be original.
• Research uses the library and archives’ collections.
• Research can be conducted within 6 months.
• Applicant possesses high level of competency as indicated by referees, transcripts, research experience and other academic achievements.
• Application should show a good understanding of proposed research topic in the proposal.

For more information, visit NLB.