Exceptions to the 10 day rule apply for travel originating SWP and HKG. Your friend could buy a ticket to HKG (if going A or D) or SYD and start the trip there but would also have to pay those countries prices. Best alternative is as ExMo suggests take a few extra days or end your trip elsewhere and buy a separate ticket back to SIN.

45N TRAVEL FROM THE LAST POINT OUTSIDE THE
COUNTRY OF
46N ORIGIN MAY NOT COMMENCE PRIOR TO 10 DAYS AFTER
47N DEPARTURE OF THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL SECTOR.
48N .
49N .
50N . **EXCEPTIO ORIGIN SOUTH WEST PACIFIC:
51N . N**- FIRST CLASS/BUSINESS CLASS -NONE
52N . - ECONOMY CLASS - 7 DAYS
53N .
54N .
55N .
56N .
57N . **EXCEPTIO ORIGIN EUROPE:
58N . N** TRAVEL ON THE LAST INTERCONTINENTAL
59N . SEGMENT MUST COMMENCE NO
60N . EARLIER THAN 10 DAYS AFTER THE FIRST
61N . INTERCONTINENTAL SEGMENT
62N .
63N .
64N .
65N .
66N . **EXCEPTIO ORIGIN HKG: FOR TICKETS ISSUED ON/AFTER
67N . N** 10OCT01
68N . - FIRST CLASS/BUSINESS CLASS - NONE
69N .