Dr. Rachel Leow

Biography

Rachel Leow is an Associate Professor of Modern East Asian History at the University of Cambridge. She completed her PhD in History and MPhil in Historical Studies at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, and holds a BA (Hons) in History from Warwick University. In 2013, Leow took a lectureship at Cambridge after a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for History and Economics at Harvard University. Her research interests lie in the cultural and social connections between China and the Malay world, especially how these links shape the understanding of 'East Asia' as a complex geographical and historical landscape. Leow's notable work includes her book, 'Taming Babel: Language Making Malaysia' (Cambridge University Press, 2016), which examines the intricate linguistic and ethnic pluralisms in the region and critiques simplistic national categories. Her ongoing research focuses on the cultural and intellectual geographies of Asian societies, particularly during periods of significant socio-cultural upheaval. An advocate for sharing academic knowledge with wider audiences, she also engages in blogging and contributing to literary reviews. Leow is actively involved in teaching, supervising MPhil World History students, and is affiliated with various professional bodies, including the Royal Historical Society and the Universities' China Committee London.

Research Interests

Experience