The Fellowship's goals are to:

• Examine the comprehensiveness and gaps of the NLS Singapore and Southeast Asian special collections;
• Elevate the research standards and capability of librarians through mentorship and collaboration with Fellows;
• Facilitate NLS's networking with other eminent collectors, institutions and subject experts that may have collections of interest to the NLS;
• Promote NL as a research centre for Singapore and Southeast Asian Studies.

Preference is given to developing collections on the following topics:

• Peranakan (Straits Chinese) literature (Baba Malay language, arts & literature) that inform the community history, culture and traditions etc.
• Business or industry history e.g. architecture, maritime and entertainment history in Singapore and Malaya
• Art and artists of the region (Singapore, Malaysia and Southeast Asia)

All applicants must be nominated by libraries, established research and academic institutions, museums, archives or other experts in the subject fields above.

Preferred candidates include professionals or scholars from libraries, established research institutes, universities, museums, archives and professional associations (e.g. the Library Association of Singapore, the Singapore Heritage Society).

Candidates should possess minimally a Masters’ qualification in a relevant subject field; be nominated by their department head, peers or past project heads, and fulfil at least two of the following criteria:

• Minimum 10 years' relevant experience in their chosen field;
• Published and presented extensively in leading publications and conferences;
• Acknowledged experts in their respective fields.

The award of the Fellowship is for six (6) months, with Fellows given the flexibility to split up the six (6) month Fellowship term into two (2) blocks of two-to-three (2-3) months during the year of the Fellowship. Up to two Fellows will be awarded every year. If there are no worthy candidates, no award will be made. Any potential conflict of interest must be declared at the point of application. It is preferred that awarded Fellows commence their Fellowship undertaking within 3 months of the award.

A stipend of S$5,000 per month will be provided to help GLH Fellows meet living expenses, local transportation and photocopying expenses. Overseas Fellows will be provided with the following additional allowances on a case-by-case basis:

a. One-time relocation package to Singapore of S$3,000.

b. One-time return economy air ticket of up to a maximum of S$5,000. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis if the lowest prevailing market rates for airfares still exceed the above capped amounts at time of purchase.

c. Monthly accommodation allowance of up to a maximum of S$5,000/month subject to market rates and approval from the Evaluation Committee.

Notes: Stipends and all other allowances are subject to withholding tax. Overseas applicants may require visa/entry permit to Singapore.

All Fellows will also be provided with the following:

• A research space at the NLS including a computer with internet access.
• Access to the library's collections, including its Rare books, Maps and Manuscripts collection.

All Fellows shall undertake to complete the following project deliverables for NLS, namely:-

a. To analyse and advise on the comprehensiveness of the chosen Collection area;

b. To recommend the NLS in acquiring additional materials for the chosen collections;

c. To mentor NLS Librarians in evaluating and acquiring the identified collections;

d. To submit a collection assessment report on the identified collection area(s), that includes identified gaps, and a list of materials and sources from which the materials can be acquired;

e. To provide referrals and to connect the NLS with the relevant institutions, organizations or collectors, world-wide;

f. To give a public lecture(s) at the NLS about one’s area(s) of collecting expertise, at the end of the term of the said Fellowship.

To fulfil these obligations, GLHF Fellows are expected to understand the collections of both NLS and the National Archives of Singapore.

Each application must include:

1. A completed application form with details on:
   • Chosen area of collection development and proposed method to develop the collections and foster networks
   • Proposed schedule of work and time frame; including number of days spent onsite at the National Library during the course of work.
   • The method /approach to be used to facilitate and impart skills/knowledge transfer.
   • A brief write-up of similar collection development projects in the past and references, if any.
2. A Curriculum Vitae that includes the following information:
   • Details of any awards or relevant appointments previously or currently held.
   • Details of professional seminars/conference papers/public lectures presented.
   • List of major publications written.
3. A Reference from your Nominator, which should address the following:
   • The applicant's qualifications, ability and experience.
   • The quality of the applicant's previous work.
   • The applicant's demonstrated capacity to complete projects within a reasonable time frame.
   • Applications must be submitted in English.

NLB reserves the right to interview or request for a presentation to seek clarifications.

Applications should be emailed to George_Lyndon_Hicks_Fellowship@nlb.gov.sg, or mailed to the following address by 31 May 2024.

Attn: The Administrator
George Lyndon Hicks Fellowship for Southeast Asian Collections
National Library, Singapore
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 about the Fellowship, please email us at George_Lyndon_Hicks_Fellowship@nlb.gov.sg

As an awarded overseas candidate, here’s what you would need to do:

1. Sign your fellowship agreement
2. Apply for the relevant work pass (assisted by NLS)
3. Book your air ticket
4. Look for accommodation
5. Get your work pass issued
6. Start a bank account
7. Get telecommunication & internet plans
8. Getting to NLS

Candidates will be furnished with more information upon awarding.