The National Library of Singapore invites applications for the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship programme, a six-month residential 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.
During 2020, areas of research the fellowship gives preference to include:
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Study of the development and growth of the arts in Singapore using collections such as the Digital Archives of Singapore Tamil Arts, Liu Kang collection, oral history recordings.
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Critical inquiry on Singapore contemporary literature, writers or theatre from the 1950s.
The fellowship offers:
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A stipend of up to a maximum of S$2000 (~1300 EUR) per month provided to help LKC Research Fellows meet living expenses, local transportation and photocopying expenses.
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In addition to the stipend, overseas Fellows will be provided with a one-time relocation package of $1500 (~980 EUR), a one-time return airfare of up to $1500 (reimbursement basis), and monthly accommodation allowance of up to $2500 (~1630 EUR; reimbursement basis).
The LKC Research Fellowship is open to both local and foreign applicants. 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.
