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APU’s Professor Ts Dr Murali Raman is recognised as a winner of the SoftwareVerdict® ITL Awards 2026, a global accolade presented by SoftwareVerdict, a leading technology research and analysis firm headquartered in Boston, for his human-centred digital leadership.
The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) proudly celebrates its Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development & Strategy), Professor Ts Dr Murali Raman, as a distinguished winner of the SoftwareVerdict® ITL Awards 2026.
Announced in early April 2026, this international recognition of Inclusive Talent Leadership affirms Prof Murali’s ability to translate vision into sustained, measurable impact at scale—distinguishing him among a competitive global field.
Headquartered in Boston, SoftwareVerdict is widely regarded as a leader in independent research and analysis across technology and engineering domains. Its ITL Awards honour individuals whose leadership drives meaningful transformation in organisations and society.
The Design Thinking Guru
Widely known as the “Design Thinking Guru” within APU and across Asia, Prof Murali’s reputation is built on both academic excellence and practical impact. A Rhodes Scholar, Fulbright Fellow, and a Stanford University-certified Design Thinker, he brings a rare blend of intellectual rigour and real-world application to his work.
His career journey spans from leading large-scale consulting projects at Accenture Plc to shaping the future of higher education. At APU, he has been instrumental in embedding inclusion, digital transformation, and academic excellence into the university’s core strategy—not as isolated initiatives, but as systemic change.
Turning Vision into Systemic Change
Prof Murali’s recognition by SoftwareVerdict reflects a leadership approach grounded in evidence-based decision making, responsible technology use, and inclusive leadership in practice. These principles have guided institution-wide initiatives delivered during periods of complexity and constraint, which require adaptability, stakeholder trust, and long-term thinking.
Rather than viewing digital transformation as a purely technological pursuit, he positions it as a strategic enabler aligned with institutional purpose, ethics, and well-being. Under his leadership, digital and AI initiatives are implemented with accountability, transparency, and meaningful stakeholder engagement.
His work demonstrates that transformation at scale is not driven by tools alone, but by the ability to align people, purpose, and performance, creating lasting impact across the institution and beyond.
Human-Centred Leadership in a Digital Era
At the heart of Prof Murali’s philosophy is a commitment to human-centric digital leadership—an approach that places empathy, inclusion, and trust at the centre of innovation.
“My philosophy of human-centric digital leadership centres on using technology to enhance capability, inclusion, and trust, but never to replace judgment. Digital transformation must align with purpose, ethics, and well-being, guided by accountability and engagement. My focus remains on building resilient, future-ready institutions where innovation stays people-focused, equitable, and sustainable,” he shared.
This perspective has resonated strongly in an era defined by rapid advances in artificial intelligence, reinforcing the importance of balancing innovation with responsibility.
A Role Model for the Academic Community
Receiving the SoftwareVerdict ITL Award carries with it an implicit responsibility, that is to uphold the values of ethical leadership, evidence-based practice, and inclusive, future-focused transformation. Award recipients are often regarded as role models and reference points within both professional and academic communities.
For APU, Prof Murali’s achievement signals more than individual success. It reflects a broader institutional commitment to cultivating leadership that is globally relevant, ethically grounded, and impactful in real-world contexts.
For students, it reinforces the importance of developing not only technical expertise, but also the values and mindset needed to lead in a complex, digital world. For academic and professional staff, it strengthens a culture of responsible innovation, continuous improvement, and long-term stewardship.
Strengthening APU’s Global Standing
At a regional and global level, this recognition enhances APU’s position as a digitally mature, people-centric university. It strengthens credibility with international partners, accreditors, and industry stakeholders, while positioning the institution as a trusted leader in shaping inclusive digital transformation in the AI era.
More importantly, it underscores a powerful message: that true technology leadership is not defined by innovation alone, but by the ability to ensure that progress remains equitable, sustainable, and human-focused.
Through his work, Professor Ts Dr Murali Raman exemplifies the role of a modern academic—one who not only advances knowledge, but also inspires communities to pursue excellence with integrity, purpose, and authenticity.