RESEARCH GRANT FOR TEMASEK FOUNDATION-NATIONAL HERITAGE BOARD "OUR COMMONALITIES, OUR CULTURE" PROGRAMME
The Temasek Foundation-National Heritage Board Research Grant is now open for application till 12 April 2024.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
The Heritage Institutions (National Heritage Board) invite applications for the Temasek Foundation-National Heritage Board "Our Commonalities, Our Culture" programme. This 6-month research grant aims to support an in-depth study on the shared commonalities and connections among the multi-ethnic cultures in contemporary Singapore. The research findings will be utilised by the National Heritage Board's three heritage institutions - Indian Heritage Centre, Malay Heritage Centre and Sun Yet Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, for research documentation, development of educational resources and creation of outreach programmes to promote multicultural understanding and build community cohesion among diverse audiences, particularly youths and families with young children.
AREAS OF RESEARCH
Masters and PhD candidates and degree holders are invited to submit their applications for research in the following areas:
| S/N |
Theme |
Brief |
| 1. |
Craftsmanship |
Examine the enduring practice of traditional crafts (e.g.: shadow puppetry, batik printing, pottery, and beadwork) within Singapore's diverse ethnic groups and the commonalities present among each ethnic groups. Explore the resilience of these crafts, highlighting their continued relevance and significance in contemporary society. |
| 2. |
Traditional Arts and Performances |
Study traditional art forms, music, dance, and theatre that are shared or have common elements among different ethnic communities in Singapore. Investigate how these art forms have evolved, interacted, and influenced each other over time, contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of the nation. |
| 3. |
Culinary Traditions |
Investigate the shared culinary practices, ingredients, and influences across Singapore's major ethnic groups, such as Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan. Examine the commonalities in cooking techniques, flavours, and ingredients, and explore how different cultures have influenced and enriched Singaporean cuisine. |
| 4. |
Festivals and Celebrations |
Explore the various religious and cultural festivals celebrated by different ethnic groups in Singapore, such as Hari Raya Puasa, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Christmas. Identify common elements, rituals, and symbolic meanings found across these festivals, highlighting the values of multiculturalism and inclusivity. |
| 5. |
Cultural Practices and Customs |
Study common cultural practices, customs, and rituals that transcend ethnic boundaries in Singapore, such as wedding ceremonies, birth rituals, coming-of-age traditions, and funeral rites. Analyse the underlying values, beliefs, and social structures that are shared among different communities. |
| 6. |
Folklore and Mythology |
Are myths, folklore tales and legends forgotten in the digital age? Examine the significance of these stories within the different ethnic groups in contemporary society. Identify the common values and highlight how these myths and folklores contribute to cultural preservation and formation of a collective identity. |
ELIGIBILITY
- Citizenship/Residency: Applicants must either be Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents (PR) or residing in Singapore at the time of application.
- Academic: Applicants should hold a Masters or PhD Degree from a reputable institution or be current Masters or PhD candidates.
- Language: Applicants must be fluent in written and oral English. Additionally, proficiency in Chinese, Malay and Indian languages is an advantage
TERMS OF THE AWARD
The award of the Fellowship is for six months. Awarded Fellows must commence their Fellowship undertaking within 3 months of the award. The Fellow will receive 20,000 SGD which will be reimbursed based on agreed milestones.
OBLIGATIONS
All Fellows shall undertake to complete the following project deliverables, namely:
- Submit a final report with at least 21,000 - 30,000 words, consisting of images or audio-visual materials.
- Give a public lecture(s) at one of the three Heritage Institutions at the end of the term of the said Fellowship.
- Advise on the research documentation, development of educational resources and outreach programmes for the three Heritage Institutions.
- Provide referrals and connect the Heritage Institutions with the relevant stakeholders who were contacted as part of the research project.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Electronic applications should be submitted to hi_fellowship@nhb.gov.sg. Attachments should not exceed 10MB in size. Please download the form here.
Documents required for application include the following:
A. Completed application form;
B. Curriculum vitae;
C. Research title and proposal (maximum 2 pages);
D. One writing sample or copy of a chapter of the application's dissertation or publication in English;
E. A clear scan of the certificate of Degree / Masters / PhD. If the certificate is not in English, a certified true copy of an official translation from the issuing university must be attached.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Please submit your completed application package by Friday, 12 April 2024.
Applicants will receive an email acknowledgement of the receipt of their applications upon submission. Incomplete and/or late applications will be disqualified and will not be considered.
For any other enquiries about the research grant, please contact hi_fellowship@nhb.gov.sg