Imagine boarding a budget flight and discovering your seatmate is none other than the President! This was the reality for passengers on a Scoot flight from Ipoh to Singapore on August 27.

As the plane prepared for departure from Sultan Azlan Shah Airport at 5:25 PM, passengers were intrigued by a VIP vehicle noticeable on the tarmac. Little did they know that the esteemed guest would be their fellow traveler.

When President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, trailing behind everyone else, finally took his seat in the front row, the cabin erupted in applause! The President, clearly amused by the warm reception, waved graciously to the delighted crowd.

This unexpected turn of events followed a busy two-day official visit where President Tharman engaged with Sultan of Perak Nazrin Shah, attending events like the UM-NUS Golf Tournament and a joint seminar. Interestingly, the President had also taken a similar flight from Singapore to Ipoh just two days earlier.

He's not the only one to embrace the budget travel experience; last October, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong received a round of applause when he appeared on a Scoot flight returning from Laos. It seems that our leaders aren't afraid to mingle with the public, even while flying economy!

This heartwarming encounter showcases not just the approachability of our leaders but also the unique experiences that can unfold in everyday life.