Who we are

Timur Consulting is an independent consultancy led by me, Rowena Abdul Razak, a historian and researcher with over five years’ academic and industry experience. 

We are hands-on, detail oriented and rigorous. We provide expert historical analysis and research-driven insights to address contemporary challenges.

Specialising in the histories of the Middle East and Southeast Asia, we offer tailored historical solutions for clients in the heritage, policy, and entertainment sectors.

From curating exhibitions to building corporate heritage narratives, we offer research-driven insight for clients across the cultural, corporate and entertainment sectors — with a specialist focus on the Middle East and Southeast Asia. 

We are based both in the
United Kingdom and Malaysia.

Rowena Abdul Razak, Director

Academia
I have always been passionate about history. I hold a DPhil in Oriental Studies from the University of Oxford. I have taught in universities in the UK for over 5 years, and have published in peer-review journals. 

Contemporary issues
While we don’t have a crystal ball, we have history. The past informs our present and I’ve used my historical knowledge to uncover the challenges of today. I have been featured by the BBC, the iPaper, Stratsea and Astro AWANI on contemporary Middle Eastern politics and Southeast Asian issues. 

Museum and curation
Passionate about museums, I got my first taste as an intern at the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Since then, I have taught museum history at Queen Mary University of London and work closely with the curatorial team of Muzium Pahang on their maritime history project.

Entertainment
Besides being an avid gamer, I have done voice over work for games. I have consulted for a documentary project on the Antarctic Ocean. I am also involved in a documentary project that explores the African slave trade in Southeast Asia.

Values

  • Working openly, with clear plans and budgeting. You’ll know who we are, what we are doing with regular updates and open communication.

  • No man is an island and here at Timur, we believe in getting the best experts for your project. Thanks to years in the field, we have a variety of experts specialising on the literature, culture, and politics of regions like Central Asia, East Asia and Africa. We believe in communities and want to ensure accuracy in what we deliver.

  • History is written by victors so perspectives can shift depending on who you’re listening to. At Timur, we believe in nuance and honouring different voices. We acknowledge the difficult realities of this world, past and present, but we are guided by a strong sense of truth telling.