I am from Kuala Lumpur. What you experienced in Singapore is not much different here...the PRC Chinese here are practicing the same type of tactics to lure innocent and soft hearted people. I have this experience once...it was at night after my dinner in Bukit Bintang, I was already in my car about to start my engine and a PRC couple knocked at my side window...so I wind down and ask...anything wrong...they told me they are broke and penniless and ask if i can give them RM100 for food and lodging...they told me they have been robbed...I did not even bother and drove off...they chase me and use their fist to bang on the back of my car bonnet and even today I can still see slight dent...these f_ _ _k_rs cant be pitied...
http://forums.asiaone.com/showthread.php?t=29744&page=11#101
http://forums.asiaone.com/showthread.php?t=29744&page=11#101