Singapore has to be as cosmopolitan as other world class cities like New York and London, for its own survival and success, the Singapore first-ever prime minister told a gathering of young People's Action party members, local television Channel NewsAsia reported.

Talking about Singapore's future, Lee pointed out that it will continue to synthesize, as more immigrants and foreigners settle in.

"If we are dynamic, we will attract talent, we will grow because we have more talent. When I say talent, it means people who add to the dynamism of that society," the television quoted Lee as saying.

Singapore is not only trying to attract foreign talents, but also strive to retain good leaders in the public service.

Lee defended the government's position on increasing the salary of ministers. He said he had no doubt about paying ministers a good salary to look after a multi-billion dollar economy.

With the latest salary revisions announced earlier this month, ministers' annual salaries will rise from the current 1.2 million Singapore dollars (about 790,000 U.S. dollars) to 1.6 million dollars (about 1.1 million U.S. dollars).

He also responded to questions from the young party members, such as censorship, homosexuality, as well as countering global warming, the report said.