The National Library of Singapore is inviting applicants for the 2014 Lee Kong Chian Research Fellow program. The program started in 2005 and is into its 9th year. The Fellowship aims to facilitate new research and publishing about Singapore and Southeast Asian culture, economy and heritage. This will enrich the Asia-centric collections and resources of the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library at the National Library of Singapore. Talented scholars and researchers are encourage to use the Library’s resources and services, and to collaborate with them on joint research projects to create new knowledge. The LKC Research Fellowship will be offered to individuals interested in suggested fields of research identified by the Library.

Who Can Apply?
The LKC Research Fellowship is open to both local and foreign applicants who are able to undertake prescribed research topics that raise awareness of our collections. Successful applicants should have scholarly and research credentials or its equivalent. Applicants could be curators, historians, academics or independent researchers who should preferably have an established record of achievement in their chosen field of research and the potential to excel further.

Research Area
Preference is given to research in the following areas, for 2014:

• Early Printing & Publishing: Singapore’s role in early printing – Chinese, Malay, Tamil and English publications including works of Mission Press, private publishers, government printing offices, etc. / Works before 1950s
• Early Printing & Publishing: Malay manuscripts and early printed books – Early works on Malay literature
• Early maps: Study of early maps and navigational charts on early Singapore and the region – Notable collection of Parry Maps acquired by the library in 2012 / Early Singapore and regional maps
• National Literature / Literary Arts: Voices of Singapore Literary Arts writers (or any art genres) post 1965  – Literature /  literary works on Singapore writers

Terms of the Award
The award of the Fellowship is for a period of six months and is subject to renewal if necessary. Fellows may not hold a concurrent fellowship or propose a research area which he has already completed his research for a masters or a doctoral thesis. The research fellow should not hold a concurrent employment or other fellowships simultaneously with the Lee Kong Chian Fellowship.

A stipend of up to a maximum of S$2,000 per month will be provided to help LKC Research Fellows meet living expenses, local transportation and photocopying expenses. In addition to the stipend, overseas Fellows will be provided with the following on a case-by-case basis:
a. One-time relocation package for Research Fellows to Singapore of up to a maximum of S$1,500. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis if the lowest prevailing market rates for airfares still exceed the above capped amounts at time of purchase
b. Monthly accommodation allowance of up to a maximum of S$2,500 subject to market rates and approval from the Selection Committee

Application closes on 25 Jul 2014. Instructions on how to apply and other details about the Fellowship can be found on the homepage of the National Library Board Singapore.