Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Access to Rare Singapore Archives
Are you a researcher passionate about Southeast Asian history? The Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026 offers a fully funded chance to dive into rare archives in Singapore. This six-month program, run by the National Library Board Singapore, gives scholars access to one of Asia’s top collections on Singapore and the region.
What Is the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship?
The Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026 is a residential program that lasts six months. It takes place at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library and the National Archives of Singapore. Fellows use these resources to study topics like history, culture, and regional changes.
The collections include old materials from the 16th century, early European reports on Southeast Asia, rare maps, early printed books from Singapore, archives of key authors, and important government records. This setup supports both historical and modern research projects. It suits historians, curators, academics, and independent scholars who want to explore interdisciplinary ideas.
Financial Support for Fellows
This fellowship covers all major costs so researchers can focus on their work. Key benefits include a monthly stipend for the full six months. International fellows get a one-time relocation allowance and a monthly accommodation allowance.
Travel is also supported with reimbursement for a return economy-class air ticket. These perks remove money worries and let fellows stay in Singapore without stress.
Research Topics Welcome
The program fits a broad range of studies. Common areas cover Singapore’s growth over time, Southeast Asian regional issues, colonial and post-colonial stories, cultural heritage, and changes in politics, economy, and society. Projects must use the library’s collections in a clear way.
Researchers can compare regions or blend fields like history and culture. The goal is to create work that adds to global knowledge about the area.
Who Meets the Eligibility Rules?
Open applicants include curators, historians, academics, independent researchers, doctoral students, and postdoctoral scholars. Everyone needs a strong record of past work and a clear research plan that matches the archives.
The program looks for advanced researchers ready to make real use of the materials. It draws people from around the world.
Duties During the Fellowship
Fellows must live in Singapore for all six months. They conduct most research at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library. Engagement with local scholars and events is required.
At the end, fellows produce scholarly results like papers or talks. They can publish findings and share them at conferences. This helps spread new insights on Southeast Asia.
How the Selection Works
Judges review applications on several points. They check academic and job achievements, the proposal’s quality and new ideas, fit with the collections, and potential impact on knowledge. Competition is high, so strong proposals stand out.
Past winners include researchers like Nurul Kaiyisah Mohd Latip, Muneerah Ab Razak, Sophia Chen Zhiting, Chng Xin Ying, Jennifer Yang, and Han Song. They praise the archives and support.
Steps to Apply
Submit a full package before the deadline. Include a detailed research proposal, academic CV, proof of experience, and any other needed items. Make sure the proposal shows exact use of the collections.
Check the official site for full details: Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship.
Application Deadline
Mark your calendar: the deadline is 29 May 2026. Start early to build a strong case. Late submissions are not accepted.
This fellowship provides rare access in a key location. It helps build careers through top resources and networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026?
It is a six-month fully funded residential program at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library and National Archives of Singapore. Fellows get access to rare collections on Singapore and Southeast Asia history, culture, and more.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
Curators, historians, academics, independent researchers, doctoral students, and postdoctoral scholars with a strong record and a clear research plan that uses the archives.
What financial support does the fellowship offer?
It provides a monthly stipend, a one-time relocation allowance, monthly accommodation allowance, and reimbursement for a return economy-class air ticket.
When is the application deadline for the 2026 fellowship?
The deadline is 29 May 2026. Submit your research proposal, CV, and other required items early via the official NLB website.