Host Country: Singapore
Programme Type: Fellowship
Host Location: National Library Board / Lee Kong Chian Reference Library
Fellowship Length: 6 Months
Support: Fully Funded
Closing Date: 29 May 2026.
The Singapore Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026 is a six-month residential opportunity for local and international researchers. According to the source, fellows will be based at the National Library Board in Singapore and will work through the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library. The fellowship is fully funded, has no application fee, and includes airfare, accommodation, a stipend, and a relocation allowance.
About the Singapore Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026
This fellowship supports research connected to the historical materials of Singapore and Southeast Asia. The source notes that the collections include materials dating from the 16th century as well as contemporary holdings. It also describes the library as a center for early printed books from Singapore, early European accounts, historical maps, and works by notable Singaporean writers. Meanwhile, the National Archives of Singapore preserves important records from government, private sources, and foreign institutions.
What the Fellowship Covers
✓ S$3,500 monthly stipend for living costs, local transport, and photocopying
✓ S$1,500 one-time relocation package for overseas fellows
✓ Return airfare up to S$1,500 on a reimbursement basis
✓ Accommodation allowance up to S$3,500 per month on a reimbursement basis
Who Can Apply
• Both local and international applicants can apply
• Curators, historians, academics, and independent researchers are welcome
• Doctoral, postdoctoral, and advanced researchers are encouraged to apply
• Applicants must be able to work on topics that highlight the Library’s collections
• Strong scholarly and research credentials are required
• A proven record of achievement in the chosen field is expected
• Applicants must demonstrate potential for further excellence in research
Research Themes
The source organizes the fellowship around several areas of research. These cover arts and literature, historical and comparative studies, special collections and archives, and architecture and culture. More specifically, the listed topics include Singaporean literature or theatre since the 1950s, arts development in Singapore and Malaya, Asian children’s literature, early Singapore and Malaya, pre-independence social history, the Straits Settlements, World War II donor materials, Chinese community records, and architectural memory in Singapore.
What Fellows Are Expected to Do
Successful fellows must stay in Singapore during the fellowship. They should spend around 75% of their time researching at the library. They are also expected to present their findings and contribute to academic outputs, including papers and publications.
How to Apply
Applicants need to complete the application form first. Then they must submit the application by 29 May 2026 through email or by post. The email address provided is LKCRF@nlb.gov.sg. The mailing address is The Administrator, Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship, National Library Headquarters, National Library Board, 100 Victoria Street, #14-01, Singapore 188064.
