SINGAPORE, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Singapore must "find its own buzz as a global city," Education Minister and Second Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said here Wednesday.

    Speaking at a marketing and branding conference, the minister said the country needs to create its distinctive appeal, not remake itself in the image of other cities.

    He said the Singapore brand carries with it both positive and negative images.

    "The positives include a stable, multiracial society. Forward-looking and corruption-free government. Safe streets, a clean and green city. High educational and medical standards. A quality of life in public housing neighborhoods that remains a bit of an anomaly in a world where public housing often means trouble," he said.

    While there is no lack of negatives. Singapore is referred to as a nanny-state, a "fine city", with penalties for numerous offenses, and as lacking in creativity and an innovative culture, he added.

    But he pointed out that Singapore should not be defensive about every negative.

    Tharman set out five key planks needed to preserve and build for an enduring Singapore brand: keeping the trust in the Singapore system, being the most open city in Asia, continuously remaking the country, supporting individuals in breaking new ground as strengthening a culture of excellence for all.

    He said, "I believe this Singapore brand will endure, and make Singapore a leading global city in Asia 15 years from now."