The Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship programme is a six-month residential fellowship. The Fellow will undertake research on the collections of the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library and the National Archives of Singapore. These materials include historical materials dating from the 16th century on Singapore and Southeast Asia and contemporary collection.
About the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship
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.
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. Besides a monthly stipend for six months, the residential fellowship for overseas recipients include a one-time relocation allowance, monthly accommodation allowance and reimbursement of a return economy class air ticket.
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. Besides a monthly stipend for six months, the residential fellowship for overseas recipients include a one-time relocation allowance, monthly accommodation allowance and reimbursement of a return economy class air ticket.
Preference will be given to the following fields of research for 2023:
• 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 Singapore
• Study of Chinese community through clan association materials
• Natural history and Biodiversity
• Development of economic sectors, professions and trades in Singapore within the context of historical global developments
• Architectural history of Singapore
Preference will be given to the following fields of research for 2023:
• 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 Singapore
• Study of Chinese community through clan association materials
• Natural history and Biodiversity
• Development of economic sectors, professions and trades in Singapore within the context of historical global developments
• Architectural history of Singapore
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 our collections.
- Successful applicants should have scholarly and research credentials or their equivalent.
- Applicants could be curators, historians, academics or independent researchers.
- 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 our collections.
- Successful applicants should have scholarly and research credentials or their equivalent.
- Applicants could be curators, historians, academics or independent researchers.
- They should preferably have an established record of achievement in their chosen field of research and the potential to excel further.
The award of the Fellowship is for a period of six months.
A stipend of up to a maximum 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), and monthly accommodation allowance of up to $3,500 (reimbursement basis).
The award of the Fellowship is for a period of six months.
A stipend of up to a maximum 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), and monthly accommodation allowance of up to $3,500 (reimbursement basis).
Each application must include a completed application form.
Applications should be emailed to LKCRF@nlb.gov.sg or mailed to the following address by 16 June 2023.
Attention to:
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.
For further information/How to Apply, click here for more details.
For foreign applicants, please click here to download a guide for overseas candidates.
For further information about the Fellowship, please contact:
The Administrator, Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship.
Email: LKCRF@nlb.gov.sg
Each application must include a completed application form.
Applications should be emailed to LKCRF@nlb.gov.sg or mailed to the following address by 16 June 2023.
Attention to:
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.
For further information/How to Apply, click here for more details.
For foreign applicants, please click here to download a guide for overseas candidates.
For further information about the Fellowship, please contact:
The Administrator, Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship.
Email: LKCRF@nlb.gov.sg
Hear from our Fellows
The National Library Board is pleased to announce the recipients of the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2022.
Joshua Tan Hong Yi
Lee Tong King
Senthil SharadKumar Pandian
Ulysses Pascal
Curious about the National Library’s Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship?
Find out what our Fellows have to say about the fellowship and its benefits.
