Born in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia Sharala Axryd defied expectations to become a global leader in AI and data transformation. As the youngest of two children and the first girl in her family to attend university, she pursued an engineering degree at National University of Malaysia (UKM)—a bold step that set the foundation for her pioneering career in Data Science and AI.

Her ambition took her beyond Malaysia, launching her career overseas. She worked in London before expanding her business ventures to the UK and Sweden, gaining deep expertise in telecommunications, data science, and AI. During this time, she worked with major telecommunications companies across Europe, where she honed her leadership in cutting-edge technology, digital transformation, and AI-driven solutions.

Sharala’s global journey ultimately led her back home to ASEAN, where she saw the massive potential of AI and data-driven talent transformation. Determined to drive change, she founded CADS AI, ASEAN’s first AI-powered talent and skills intelligence platform, empowering businesses to develop data-literate, future-ready workforces.

With over a decade of expertise in Data Science and AI, Sharala is a driving force behind AI adoption, workforce upskilling, and digital transformation. She has led CADS AI to become the only company in the region to be recognized by Gartner as a ‘Cool Vendor’, a prestigious accolade that underscores the platform’s game-changing impact on talent intelligence and AI-driven learning.

A passionate advocate for data and AI literacy, Sharala is also a strong supporter of women in STEM, championing opportunities for the next generation of female tech leaders. Her thought leadership and groundbreaking work have earned her prestigious recognitions, including: Strong Women in IT Global (2021, 2023), NAWEM Entrepreneur Award (2023), and EY Woman Entrepreneur of the Year (2017).

Sharala’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, ambition, and innovation. From a small town in Malaysia to building businesses in Europe and leading an AI revolution in ASEAN recognized by Gartner, she is not just driving change—she is architecting the future of AI and data-driven decision-making in ASEAN and beyond.