Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship Singapore 2025 Fully Funded

The Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2025 presents a prestigious opportunity for international and local researchers to explore in-depth academic work on Singapore and Southeast Asia. Hosted by the National Library Board (NLB) of Singapore, this fully funded program provides scholars with access to one of the most comprehensive Southeast Asian collections in the region. It is an excellent platform for academics who aim to contribute original, high-quality research on the history, culture, and socio-political developments of the region.

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The fellowship not only promotes scholarly excellence but also supports knowledge sharing through research presentations and publications. By residing in Singapore and working closely with the National Library and National Archives, fellows gain unparalleled access to rare resources and a vibrant research environment.

About the Scholarship

The Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship was established to promote research that leverages the rich collections of the National Library of Singapore. These collections include rare books, manuscripts, historical newspapers, maps, photographs, and personal archives. Fellows are required to conduct their research in the National Library or the National Archives for at least 75% of their fellowship duration.

This fellowship is ideal for scholars working in the fields of humanities, social sciences, and area studies. It is open to postgraduate students, independent researchers, curators, and academics with a strong research background and an interest in Southeast Asian or Singaporean studies.

The fellowship program lasts for a period of up to six months and is designed to help fellows produce significant research outcomes, such as academic articles, papers, book chapters, or curated exhibitions.

Financial Coverage

The Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2025 is fully funded and offers substantial financial support to successful applicants. The benefits include:

  • Monthly Stipend: Fellows receive a stipend of SGD 3,500 per month to cover daily living expenses, local transportation, and miscellaneous research costs.
  • Accommodation Allowance: Fellows are provided with a housing allowance of up to SGD 3,500 per month to assist with accommodation in Singapore.
  • Relocation Grant: A one-time relocation allowance of SGD 1,500 is provided to overseas fellows to help with moving costs and initial expenses.
  • Airfare Reimbursement: International fellows can claim reimbursement of a return economy-class air ticket (up to SGD 1,500) between their home country and Singapore.

In addition to the financial benefits, fellows are granted full access to library collections and are provided with dedicated research space and facilities at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2025 must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Academic Background: Open to both Singaporeans and international applicants. Candidates must have a strong academic record, ideally with a postgraduate qualification in the humanities or social sciences.
  • Research Focus: The proposed research should focus on Singapore or Southeast Asia and should align with the library’s areas of collection strength, such as history, politics, culture, literature, or regional studies.
  • Residency Requirement: Fellows must reside in Singapore throughout the fellowship period. They are expected to conduct research at the National Library or National Archives for at least 75% of the fellowship duration.
  • Research Output: Fellows are expected to complete a significant research project and deliver a public lecture or seminar during or after the fellowship.
  • Language: All applications and research proposals must be submitted in English.

Required Documents

To apply for the fellowship, applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

  1. Completed Application Form: This can be downloaded from the official National Library Board website.
  2. Research Proposal: A detailed research proposal (not more than five pages) outlining objectives, methodology, sources to be used from the library’s collections, and the anticipated outcome of the study.
  3. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including educational background, academic achievements, and relevant research or professional experience.
  4. Academic Transcripts and Certificates: Scanned copies of degree certificates and transcripts from relevant institutions.
  5. Two Letters of Recommendation: Referees should be familiar with the applicant’s academic or professional work. Letters should be signed and printed on institutional or organizational letterhead.
  6. Sample of Written Work: Optional, but strongly recommended to demonstrate the applicant’s writing and research ability.

All documents should be submitted in English and included with the application form.

Deadline

The application deadline for the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2025 is:

  • 30 May 2025

Applications received after this date will not be considered. Candidates are advised to prepare their documents early and allow time for international mailing if submitting by post.

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How to Apply

Applicants can submit their application either by email or postal mail.

Email Submission:

Send all required documents to the official email address:

Ensure that the subject line reads: Application for Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2025.

Postal Submission:

Alternatively, applications can be mailed to the following address:

The Administrator  
Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship  
National Library Board  
100 Victoria Street, #14-01  
Singapore 188064  

Be sure to clearly label your envelope and ensure your documents arrive before the deadline.

Scholarship Summary

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