to share my  personal exp.

Checked with hsbc, maybank, uob, and dbs. Only hsbc, maybank, and uob gave a consistent answer of needing some sort of work permit/passes or requirements listed on their website.

As for dbs, the requirements on the website seems to be a 'guideline' for dbs branches. Meaning the dbs branches will have their own requirements if foreigners want to open a bank acc.

I personally went to a few branches, and some needed work permit/passes, while some needed other bank statements. Finally, i found the MBFC branch which only needs the passport (like what is stated on the website) and does NOT need any work permit/passes.

Yes, you are correct. No deposit is required when opening the account. Only deposit $ after acc is opened.

But you need to maintain a (average) balance of SGD 5k, else they will charge SGD2 per month (Translates to ~ RM 5 a month).