"We will become more cosmopolitan and open, and this will bring new challenges," acting Minister of Information, Communications and the Arts David Lim said, adding that greater diversity will stress social unity.

The traditionally pro-government Singapore media have seen increased competition since the government ended print and broadcast monopolies in 2000, and ministers have vowed a more relaxed approach to criticism.

Lim, speaking at the opening of the new headquarters of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), publisher of the Straits Times and most other local dailies, stressed the long partnership between media and the government.

"Our local media have played an important role in building modern Singapore. By communicating the government's message across to the people, it has helped to rally support for policies that have brought us progress and prosperity," he said.

"Modern Singapore would not have been built without this responsible role played by the local media. This is something we can be proud of."

Lim said there was a need for "more space to accommodate creative ideas and more thoughtful and informed dialogue," and suggested that Singaporeans must not take themselves too seriously all the time.

"At times, we need a more playful and humorous approach, to laugh at ourselves, and see our own idiosyncrasies as others might see us. But on subjects that affect our very existence, our unity and survival, we must be serious and circumspect," he said.

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