Administrative Leadership's Strategic Planning for AI Integration in Public Secondary Schools: A Qualitative Study in Kuala Lumpur

The aim of this qualitative study is to examine how administrative leaders in public secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur approach strategic planning for artificial intelligence (AI) integration in education. Three consolidated research objectives guided thc inquiry: (1 ) to explore administrators' understanding and strategic planning of AI integration, (2) to identify challenges and barriers in AI integration planning, and (3) to examine stakeholder engagement and leadership support required for successful AI integration. Through semi-structured interviews with ten experienced school administrators, including principals, senior assistants, and heads of departments, and employing reflexive thematic analysis, the study revealed five major themes: infrastructural and resource considerations, pedagogical transformation and teacher preparedness, ethical and equity concerns, stakeholder engagement strategies, and adaptive leadership approaches. Findings indicate that while administrators recognize AI' s transformative potential, strategic planning remains fragrnented, resource-constrained, and lacking systematic frameworks. The study underscores the critical need for multilevel support systems to ensure equitable and effective AI adoption in Malaysian secondary education. These encompass clear policy guidelines aligned with Malaysia's national AI agenda, collaborative governance models, and continuous professional development addressing A1 literacy and ethical reasoning. Comprehensive planning must also account for teacher competencies, infrastructure, and dedicated budgetary provisions. Crucially, all implementation strategies must be culturally responsive and contextually grounded within Malaysia's diverse educational landscape.