<![CDATA[The rapid advancement of technology has become a central topic of discussion, both globally and locally, significantly impacting various sectors, including communication, economics, healthcare, and, notably, education. Consequently, school leaders are increasingly required to be well-prepared and thoroughly equipped with necessary digital knowledge and expertise to navigate this advancement effectively. The adaptation of leadership styles to align with technological advancements is crucial for school leaders to remain effective in their roles. This study aimed to investigate the critical need for developing a digital leadership model tailored for school leaders in Malaysia. To achieve this objective, a qualitative research approach, particularly semi-structured interviews, was employed on study participants, who were experienced school leaders from various regions in Malaysia, to obtain rich, in-depth data. Thematic analysis was then applied to the collected data, with codes systematically assigned to identify and extract key themes and findings. The research identified three core themes: (i) competence in technology-related theories, (ii) a guideline for school leadership, and (iii) a guideline as a future reference for leaders. The study findings indicate a strong necessity for the development of a digital leadership framework, alongside important perspectives for educational stakeholders, thereby making a substantial contribution to the current body of literature on digital leadership within the Malaysian educational context.]]>
