High School Student · Singapore
Ruhani
Surana
Ethics · Economics · Policy · eSafety
An interdisciplinary thinker passionate about the intersection of ethics, economics, and policy — always looking to apply my skills beyond the classroom.
Who Am I?
I’m Ruhani, currently studying at UWCSEA Dover in Singapore. Having grown up across three continents — from New York to Tokyo to Sydney and now Singapore — I’ve developed a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and cross-cultural understanding, while remaining deeply connected to my Indian roots.
My passions lie at the intersection of ethics, economics, and policy, with a particular focus on online safety for young people. As one of 22 inaugural members of Australia’s eSafety Youth Advisory Council, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with Big Tech companies and policymakers to shape platform safety standards for children and young adults.
Beyond policy, I’m an avid debater, a dedicated musician, a Taekwondo black belt, and a rock climbing enthusiast. I believe in approaching problems with rigour, resilience, and originality — whether I’m composing music, facilitating humanities workshops, or designing accessible government forms for rural farmers.
A Life in Sound
Music as a Mother Tongue
From the concert hall to the classroom, from the orchestra pit to a refugee school in Kenya — music is not just what Ruhani does. It is how she thinks, connects and serves.
Performance
First Chair in Multiple Ensembles
Lead Trumpet in the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Band, 2nd Trumpet in the Senior Jazz Band, and Soprano 2 in the selective HS choir Cantabile — performing across genres, from classical to jazz to choral.
Mastery
Grade 8 Piano · Grade 7 Trumpet
Achieved Distinction at ABRSM Grade 8 Piano and Merit at Trinity Grade 7 Trumpet — the product of years of disciplined daily practice across two very different instruments and musical traditions.
Creation
Composer, Arranger & YouTube Creator
Writes and arranges original instrumental mashups, a cappella covers, and long-form musical pieces. Publishes weekly to YouTube — transforming popular songs into multilayered sonic compositions.
Ancient Tradition
Learning the Saraswati Veena
Now learning the Saraswati Veena — a revered ancient plucked string instrument central to Carnatic classical music and considered the instrument of the goddess of knowledge. Part of Project LeAPS, building a pedagogy that bridges Western and Carnatic traditions.
Choral Excellence
Senior Performer with Australian Girls’ Choir
Reached the Camerata level — the highest performance tier — with the Australian Girls’ Choir, performing at prestigious venues across Australia over six dedicated years.
Music for Good
Therapy, Teaching & Refugee Outreach
Leads weekly music therapy sessions for adults with mental illness at the Anglican Care Centre; designs monthly enrichment materials for a refugee school in Kakuma, Kenya — believing music belongs to everyone.
