Deadline: May 31, 2024
Applications are open for the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2024. The 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 in Singapore and Southeast Asia and contemporary collections.
The Lee Kong Chian Reference Library 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.
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.
Research Areas
Preference will be given to the following fields of research for 2024:
- 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
- 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.
- 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), and monthly accommodation allowance of up to $3,500 (reimbursement basis).
- All Fellows will also be provided with the following:
- 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.
Eligibility
- Open to both local and foreign applicants who can undertake prescribed research topics that raise awareness of their collections. Successful applicants should have scholarly and research credentials or their equivalent.
- 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. They should preferably have an established record of achievement in their chosen field of research and the potential to excel further.
Selection Criteria
Fellowship applicants will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Research should be original.
- Research uses the library and archives’ collections.
- Research can be conducted within 6 months.
- The applicant possesses a high level of competency as indicated by referees, transcripts, research experience and other academic achievements.
- The application should show a good understanding of the proposed research topic in the proposal.
Applications
Each application must include a completed application form. Applications should be emailed to LKCRF@nlb.gov.sg or mailed to the following address by 31 May 2024.
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 more information, visit Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship.
