%0 Journal Article
%A Inda, Abdulmumini
%A Saleh, Sofia Zianti
%A Tasir, Zaidatun
%A Ajmain@Jima’ain, Muhammad Talhah
%A Sa’idu, Sabo Jamilu
%A Mohd Yusof, Sanita
%A Johari Sihes, Ahmad
%A Alhaji Rabiu, Aliyu
%A Usman, Abdullahi Yusuf
%A Ghadah, Al Murshidi
%F iab_repo:1745
%I Asia Pacific Journal (APJEE)
%J APJEE USM
%K Human-centred leadership, digital transformation, narrative inquiry, post-pandemic recovery, academic deans, Malaysia
%T Human-Centred Academic Leadership in Digital Transformation of Higher Education: Insights from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
%U http://eprints.iab.edu.my/v2/1745/
%X This study explored the lived leadership experiences of two former Deans at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), with particular attention to how human-centred leadership was practised during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of digital transformation in higher education. A qualitative narrative inquiry design with reflexive thematic analysis was employed to investigate critical leadership incidents, decision-making processes, and adaptive strategies in the shift to remote learning, and digital pedagogy. The analysis identified five interrelated leadership themes, namely empathy-driven engagement, fairness in digital resource allocation, reciprocal trust-building through virtual communication, empowerment of faculty and students in technology-mediated learning, and adaptive responsiveness in technology-intensive contexts. The findings demonstrate the importance of emotional intelligence, ethical leadership, and situational agility in developing resilient, inclusive, and digital-ready educational ecosystems. By situating leadership within institutional transformation, the study provides practical insights for academic leaders seeking to promote innovation, digital well-being, and technology-enhanced teaching and learning in the post-pandemic era.