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Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026
The Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded six-month residential fellowship at the National Library Board, Singapore, open to both local and international historians, curators, academics, and independent researchers with established scholarly credentials. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of S$3,500, a one-time relocation payment of S$1,500, return airfare reimbursement of up to S$1,500, and a monthly accommodation allowance of up to S$3,500. No application fee is required. The deadline is 29 May 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Fully Funded Residential Research Fellowship |
| Organising Body | National Library Board, Singapore (Lee Kong Chian Reference Library) |
| Mode | Offline (Residential) |
| Duration | 6 Months |
| Location | Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, Singapore |
| Last Date to Apply | 29 May 2026 |
About the Program
The Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026 is administered by the National Library Board of Singapore to support in-depth scholarly inquiry into historical and contemporary materials related to Singapore and Southeast Asia, spanning collections dating from the 16th century to the present. The Lee Kong Chian Reference Library — housing first editions printed in Singapore, European explorer accounts, historical maps, and prominent Singaporean literary works — serves as the primary research environment, with fellows expected to spend approximately 75% of their placement time conducting on-site research. Consequently, selected scholars gain unparalleled access to rare archival materials including the National Archives of Singapore’s government and private records, clan association documents, and World War II donor collections. Furthermore, fellows are expected to contribute to academic outputs such as papers and publications, and to present their research findings, ensuring that the fellowship generates lasting scholarly value for the broader academic community.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Open to both local Singaporean and international applicants worldwide
- Must possess strong scholarly and research credentials relevant to Singapore or Southeast Asian studies
- Scholars pursuing doctoral, postdoctoral, or advanced research are encouraged to apply
Experience & Other Conditions
- Must have a proven track record of achievement in their specific research field
- Professional backgrounds welcomed include historians, curators, academics, and independent researchers
- Research proposal must align specifically with topics that highlight the library’s collections
- Must be able to reside in Singapore for the full six-month fellowship duration
- Must commit to spending approximately 75% of the fellowship period conducting research at the library
Benefits & Funding
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | S$3,500 per month covering living expenses, local transport, and photocopying |
| Relocation Package | One-time payment of S$1,500 for overseas fellows |
| Return Airfare | Reimbursement of up to S$1,500 for international travel |
| Accommodation Allowance | Monthly reimbursement of up to S$3,500 |
| Library Access | Full access to Lee Kong Chian Reference Library collections and National Archives of Singapore |
| Research Presentation | Opportunity to present research findings to academic audiences |
Topics / Themes Covered
Arts and Literature
- Critical inquiry into contemporary Singaporean literature or theatre since the 1950s
- Development of visual, performing, or literary arts in Singapore and Malaya from the early 20th century to Independence
- Asian cultural heritage through the Asian Children’s Literature Collection
Historical and Comparative Studies
- Comparative studies of early Singapore and Malaya using Western and Asian scholarly perspectives
- Social history of pre-independence Singapore and Malaya
- In-depth study of the Straits Settlements — Penang, Malacca, and Singapore — from 1826 to 1946
Special Collections and Archives
- World War II research utilising donor materials including the Toshio Egawa and Lim Shao Bin collections
- Studies of the Chinese community through clan association records such as Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan and Kim Mui Hoey Kuan
Architecture and Culture
- Architectural history of Singapore, including lived experience of design and how architecture is remembered in local culture and literature
Selection Process
- Completed application form submitted by email to LKCRF@nlb.gov.sg or by post to the National Library Board before 29 May 2026
- Evaluation based on scholarly credentials, proven research track record, and quality of the submitted research proposal
- Research proposal must demonstrate clear alignment with Singapore or Southeast Asian topics that utilise the library’s unique collections
- No application fee is required at any stage
How to Apply
- Visit the official Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026 application portal for the full application form and guidelines.
- Complete the application form with your academic background, research credentials, and professional experience.
- Prepare a clear and focused research proposal demonstrating how your topic aligns with Singapore or Southeast Asian studies and utilises the library’s specific collections.
- Highlight previous research outputs, publications, and any relevant prior use of archival or special collections materials.
- Submit your completed application before 29 May 2026 via email to LKCRF@nlb.gov.sg or by post to: The Administrator, Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship, National Library Headquarters, National Library Board, 100 Victoria Street, #14-01, Singapore 188064.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Applicants | No application fee required |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 7 April 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 29 May 2026 |
| Fellowship Duration | 6 Months (exact start date subject to confirmation) |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Application Email | LKCRF@nlb.gov.sg |
Contact
Submit applications by email to LKCRF@nlb.gov.sg or by post to The Administrator, Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship, National Library Headquarters, National Library Board, 100 Victoria Street, #14-01, Singapore 188064. Refer to the official NLB website for further programme queries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026?
Both local and international historians, curators, academics, independent researchers, and doctoral or postdoctoral scholars with strong credentials and a research focus on Singapore or Southeast Asia are eligible to apply.
What does the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026 cover financially?
Fellows receive a monthly stipend of S$3,500, a one-time S$1,500 relocation payment for overseas fellows, return airfare reimbursement of up to S$1,500, and a monthly accommodation allowance of up to S$3,500.
What are fellows expected to do during the six-month placement?
Fellows must reside in Singapore, spend approximately 75% of their time conducting research at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, present their research findings, and contribute to academic outputs such as papers and publications.
What research areas does the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026 support?
The fellowship supports research across arts and literature, historical and comparative studies, special collections and archives, and architectural history — all specifically focused on Singapore and Southeast Asia using the library’s unique collections.
Is there an application fee for the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026?
No — the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026 requires no application fee, and all core financial benefits are provided in full by the National Library Board of Singapore.