Opportunity profile: Facing up to South-east Asia

Scholars of South-east Asia should know about Stanford University and the National University of Singapore’s generous Lee Kong Chian fellowships. Don Emmerson, director of the Southeast Asia Program at Stanford, talks to Antoaneta Roussi.

Don’s top tips

• Don’t exclude yourself from applying if you are junior or not in a tenured position—content is more important than track record.
• Researchers of a quantitative bent are particularly encouraged.
• The scheme aims to boost publication in the field and is open to scholars who need time to focus on completing a book.
• Be bold. The panel wants to see bids that contribute to scholarship in South-east Asia in an original way.

The Lee Kong Chian Fellowships are a joint effort of Stanford University in the United States and the National University of Singapore (NUS). Fellows will spend two to four months at each institution, writing and conducting research related to contemporary South-east Asia.