Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity for Southeast Asia Scholars
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 unique collections on Singapore and the region.
About the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship
This fellowship lets researchers live and work in Singapore for six months. Fellows use materials from the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library and the National Archives of Singapore. These spots hold some of Asia’s best resources.
The collections include items from the 16th century, early European reports on Southeast Asia, old maps, first prints from Singapore presses, author archives, and key government records. You can study both old stories and modern ones. This setup works well for projects that mix fields like history and culture.
Important Dates
The deadline to apply for the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026 is May 29, 2026. Start gathering your materials early. A strong application takes time to build.
What Funding Covers
The program pays well so you can focus on your work. You get a monthly stipend for all six months. International fellows receive a one-time move-in grant, monthly housing help, and a round-trip economy flight.
This support removes money worries. Fellows can spend their days in the archives without stress.
Research Topics Welcome
Projects can cover many areas. Think about Singapore’s growth over time, studies of Southeast Asia, stories from colonial days to now, cultural records, and changes in politics, economy, and society. Tie your idea to the library’s collections for the best fit.
Who Qualifies
Curators, historians, professors, independent scholars, PhD students, and postdocs can apply. You need a solid record in your field. Your research plan must match the archives.
What Fellows Must Do
Fellows stay in Singapore the whole time. They work mainly with the library collections. Join talks and events with other experts. Share your findings through papers or talks.
This full stay helps you make the most of the resources.
Sharing Your Work
You keep rights to publish what you find. Share at conferences or in journals. This adds to knowledge about Southeast Asia.
How They Pick Winners
Judges look at your past work, how fresh your idea is, if it fits the collections, and its value to the field. Spots go to top applicants from around the world.
Steps to Apply
Send a full package by the deadline. Include a clear research plan, your CV, proof of experience, and any extra items they ask for. Show exactly how you’ll use the archives.
Past Fellows
Recent winners include Nurul Kaiyisah Mohd Latip, Muneerah Ab Razak, Sophia Chen Zhiting, Chng Xin Ying, Jennifer Yang, and Han Song. They praise the strong setup, deep archives, and real research gains.
Reasons to Go For It
This fellowship gives rare access to history. Work in a top research city. Meet key people in your field. Boost your career with real results. If Southeast Asia draws you, this is your shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline for the Lee Kong Chian Research Fellowship 2026?
The deadline is May 29, 2026. Start preparing your materials early to build a strong application.
Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?
Curators, historians, professors, independent scholars, PhD students, and postdocs with a solid record in their field can apply. Your research plan must match the archives.
What does the funding cover?
It includes a monthly stipend for six months, a one-time move-in grant for international fellows, monthly housing help, and a round-trip economy flight.
What research topics are welcome?
Projects on Singapore’s growth, Southeast Asia studies, colonial to modern histories, cultural records, and changes in politics, economy, and society are ideal, especially if tied to the library’s collections.