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(Created page with " '''The Online Citizen (TOC)''' is a socio-political blogging platform known for its independent journalism and commentary, particularly on issues pertaining to Singapore. Established in December 2006 by Andrew Loh and Remy Choo Zheng Xi, TOC has positioned itself as a voice covering topics often overlooked by mainstream media. === '''History''' === In 2011, the Singapore Registry of Political Donations designated TOC as a political association, citing its involvement...")
 
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{{Entity
|entity_id          = the-online-citizen
|name                = The Online Citizen
|other_names        = The Online Citizen Asia, TOC, 網路公民
|abbreviation        = TOC
|type                = Alternative news website
|logo                =
|image              = TOC.jpg
|formed_date        = 2006-12-01
|dissolved_date      =
|status              = active
|parent_ministry    =
|parent_entity      =
|headquarters        = Taiwan (formerly Singapore)
|region_served      = Asia
|leader_title1      = Editor-in-Chief
|leader_name1        = terry-xu
|leader_display1    = Terry Xu
|leader_title2      = Co-Founder
|leader_name2        = andrew-loh
|leader_display2    = Andrew Loh
|leader_title3      = Co-Founder
|leader_name3        = remy-choo
|leader_display3    = Remy Choo Zheng Xi
|num_employees      =
|num_employees_year  =
|budget              =
|budget_year        =
|revenue            =
|revenue_year        =
|purpose            = Independent socio-political journalism and commentary on Singapore and Asia affairs.
|legislation        =
|uen                =
|website            = https://theonlinecitizen.com
|verified            = yes
|last_updated        = 2026-05-17
}}


'''The Online Citizen (TOC)''' is a socio-political blogging platform known for its independent journalism and commentary, particularly on issues pertaining to Singapore.


Established in December 2006 by Andrew Loh and Remy Choo Zheng Xi, TOC has positioned itself as a voice covering topics often overlooked by mainstream media.
'''The Online Citizen''' ('''TOC''') is a socio-political blogging platform known for its independent journalism and commentary, particularly on issues pertaining to [[Singapore]]. Established in December 2006 by Andrew Loh and Remy Choo Zheng Xi, TOC has positioned itself as a voice covering topics often overlooked by mainstream media.


=== '''History''' ===
== History ==
In 2011, the Singapore Registry of Political Donations designated TOC as a political association, citing its involvement in campaigns aimed at influencing legislation and government policies.


This classification subjected TOC to regulations under the Political Donations Act, restricting foreign funding and capping anonymous contributions at SGD 5,000.
=== Early Years (2006–2010) ===
Initially, TOC functioned as a volunteer-driven platform, focusing on citizen journalism and commentary on political, social, and economic issues. TOC gained a following for its coverage of housing policies, social inequality, and governance, as well as its advocacy for greater civil liberties.  


Four individuals stepped forward to register as appointment holders, as required by the Prime Minister's Office.  
In 2009, TOC played a significant role in covering the '''AWARE saga''', a controversial leadership takeover of the Association of Women for Action and Research. TOC’s detailed accounts and on-the-ground reporting of the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) helped shape public understanding of the event.


On 24 January 2011, TOC [https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2011/01/24/tocs-reply-to-pmo/ submitted the appointments]. The four individuals were Siew Kum Hong, Joshua Chiang, Ravi Philemon, and Leong Sze Hian.
By 2010, TOC had become one of the most prominent independent socio-political websites in Singapore. Its growing influence led to increased government scrutiny and regulatory challenges.


A fundraising event was held, resulting in a substantial amount of funds that allowed the site to operate well into 2012.
=== Transition to Political Association (2011–2015) ===
In 2011, the Singapore Registry of Political Donations designated TOC as a '''political association''', citing its involvement in campaigns aimed at influencing legislation. This classification restricted foreign funding and capped anonymous contributions at SGD 5,000. On 24 January 2011, TOC submitted its required appointment holders: Siew Kum Hong, Joshua Chiang, Ravi Philemon, and Leong Sze Hian.<ref>[https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2011/01/24/tocs-reply-to-pmo/ "TOC’s reply to PMO"], The Online Citizen, 24 January 2011.</ref>


In 2014, The Online Citizen (TOC), including its domain name www.theonlinecitizen.com, [https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2014/06/04/the-online-citizen-to-be-owned-by-the-opinion-collaborative-ltd/ came under the management] of The Opinion Collaborative Ltd (TOC Ltd), a social enterprise registered under the Companies Act. TOC retained full editorial independence while ceding its administrative and management functions, including fundraising and revenue generation, to TOC Ltd.
In 2014, TOC came under the management of '''The Opinion Collaborative Ltd (TOC Ltd)''', a social enterprise. TOC retained editorial independence while ceding administrative and fundraising functions to TOC Ltd.<ref>[https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2014/06/04/the-online-citizen-to-be-owned-by-the-opinion-collaborative-ltd/ "The Online Citizen to be owned by The Opinion Collaborative Ltd"], The Online Citizen, 4 June 2014.</ref>


This restructuring allowed the TOC editorial team to focus entirely on its core purpose—bringing news and stories that matter to Singaporeans—while continuing its mission of providing an online platform for Singaporeans to champion causes and values that promote justice, openness, and inclusiveness.
=== Restructuring and Relocation (2015–Present) ===
Following the 2015 General Election, TOC left TOC Ltd and was registered as a private limited company under '''Terry Xu'''. By February 2018, it was de-gazetted as a political association as it was then operated solely by Xu.<ref>[https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/the-online-citizen-website-and-two-other-groups-no-longer-considered-political-associations "The Online Citizen website and two other groups no longer considered political associations"], The Straits Times, February 2018.</ref> In May 2020, TOC rebranded as '''The Online Citizen Asia'''.<ref>[https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2020/05/05/the-online-citizen-renamed-as-the-online-citizen-asia-and-to-operate-under-new-domain/ "The Online Citizen renamed as The Online Citizen Asia"], The Online Citizen, 5 May 2020.</ref>


Following the 2015 General Election, TOC left TOC Ltd and was subsequently registered as a private limited company under Terry Xu.
In September 2021, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) cancelled TOC's broadcasting class license due to non-compliance with funding declarations.<ref>[https://www.imda.gov.sg/resources/press-releases-factsheets-and-speeches/press-releases/2021/cancellation-of-the-online-citizen-pte-ltd-class-licence "Cancellation of The Online Citizen Pte Ltd Class Licence"], IMDA, September 2021.</ref> TOC subsequently relocated operations to Taiwan.


By February 2018, TOC [https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/the-online-citizen-website-and-two-other-groups-no-longer-considered-political-associations was de-gazetted as a political association], primarily because it was then operated solely by editor Terry Xu, who had been managing content since 2011 following the departure of the core editorial team.
In July 2023, the Singapore government classified TOC’s digital platforms as '''Declared Online Locations (DOLs)'''.<ref>[https://www.pofmaoffice.gov.sg/files/media-releases/pofma-pr-mci-21july2023-01.pdf "POFMA Declaration of Online Locations"], POFMA Office, 21 July 2023.</ref> By September 2024, TOC resumed operations under its original name, dropping the "Asia" suffix to expand onto platforms not designated as DOLs.<ref>[https://gutzy.asia/2024/08/31/notice-to-our-readers-moving-back-to-the-online-citizen/ "Notice to our readers: Moving back to The Online Citizen"], Gutzy Asia, 31 August 2024.</ref>
 
In May 2020, TOC's domain was changed to onlinecitizenasia.com and rebranded as The Online Citizen Asia.<ref>https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2020/05/05/the-online-citizen-renamed-as-the-online-citizen-asia-and-to-operate-under-new-domain/</ref>
 
In September 2021, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) cancelled TOC's broadcasting class license due to non-compliance with funding source declarations.<ref>https://www.imda.gov.sg/resources/press-releases-factsheets-and-speeches/press-releases/2021/cancellation-of-the-online-citizen-pte-ltd-class-licence</ref>
 
Undeterred, TOC [https://www.facebook.com/theonlinecitizen/posts/pfbid035v7wbsEsiWG2CYQfmGFjbc6Fx6SeActYZaa9bsmS4SqT73z4v3uMaYVUAB7ho4gal resumed its activities] on 16 September 2022, relocating its operations to Taiwan under the ownership of a Taiwanese company while returning back to the original domain but keeping the Asia suffix.
 
In July 2023, the Minister of Information and Communication classified TOC’s website, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn as Declared Online Locations (DOLs). <ref>https://www.pofmaoffice.gov.sg/files/media-releases/pofma-pr-mci-21july2023-01.pdf</ref>
 
This classification made it illegal for individuals or entities to provide financial support to TOC, as well as for the operators to benefit financially from its publication. Violations carried the threat of fines and imprisonment.
 
In response, [https://gutzy.asia/ Gutzy Asia], a new publication, was created and operated in light of the DOL. However, in June 2024, the Ministry issued another DOL designation on the new publication, making its operation impossible.<ref>https://www.pofmaoffice.gov.sg/files/media-releases/pofma_pr_mci_11Jun2024.pdf</ref>
 
As a result, TOC [https://gutzy.asia/2024/08/31/notice-to-our-readers-moving-back-to-the-online-citizen/ ultimately decided] to resume operations under its original name—dropping the Asia suffix—and expand to other social media platforms that had not been designated as DOLs in September 2024.
 
=== '''Founders and Editors''' ===
 
* '''Andrew Loh''' (Founder and former editor)
* '''Remy Choo Zheng Xi''' (Founder and former editor)
* '''Joshua Chiang''' (Former Intern Chief Editor)
* '''Kumaran Pillai''' (Former Chief Editor)
* '''Ravi Philemon''' (Former Chief Editor)
* '''Howard Lee''' (Former deputy Chief Editor)
* '''Terry Xu''' (Current Chief Editor)


== Founders and Editors ==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+Editors in charge
|+ Editors-in-Chief
!Name
! Name !! Start Date !! End Date
!Date start
!Date end
|-
|-
|'''Andrew Loh'''
| Andrew Loh || December 2006 || June 2011
|December 2006
|June 2011
|-
|-
|'''Ravi Philemon'''
| Ravi Philemon || June 2011 || March 2012
|June 2011
|March 2012
|-
|-
|'''Kumaran Pillai'''
| Kumaran Pillai || [https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2012/03/31/tocs-under-new-leadership/ March 2012] || 2013
|[https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2012/03/31/tocs-under-new-leadership/ March 2012]
|2013
|-
|-
|'''Terry Xu'''
| Terry Xu || March 2013 || Present
|March 2013
|
|}
|}
== Legal and Political Issues ==
TOC has faced numerous legal challenges, including defamation suits and regulatory restrictions under the '''Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA)'''.
* '''[[MINDEF–TOC POHA Dispute|POHA Legal Victory (2015–2017):]]''' Following an interview with Dr Ting Choon Meng regarding a patent dispute with the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the Attorney-General applied for an order under Section 15 of the '''Protection from Harassment Act (POHA)''' to compel TOC to post a correction notice. In a landmark 2017 ruling,<ref>https://www.elitigation.sg/gd/s/2017_SGCA_6</ref> the Court of Appeal dismissed the Attorney-General's appeal in a 2-1 majority decision, ruling that the Government is not a "person" under Section 15 of POHA and therefore cannot invoke the Act to seek correction orders.
* '''Defamation (2019–2021):''' Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong sued Terry Xu over an article regarding the Lee family dispute. In 2021, the High Court ordered Xu to pay S$210,000 in damages.
* '''Criminal Defamation (2018–2022):''' Terry Xu and contributor Daniel De Costa were convicted of criminal defamation over a letter alleging corruption. Their jail sentences were eventually upheld by the Court of Appeal.
* '''POFMA Challenges (2020):''' TOC was one of the first outlets to challenge a POFMA correction direction in court regarding execution methods in Changi Prison; however, the appeal was dismissed by the High Court and Court of Appeal.
* '''POFMA Section 11(3)(b) (2026):''' On 23 March 2026, Terry Xu and Miao Yi InfoTech (the Taiwanese holding company for TOC) were issued a direction under Section 11(3)(b) of POFMA by the Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs. This marked the first time an entity was required to publish a correction notice in the print edition of ''The Straits Times'' at its own expense, amounting to a cost of SGD 10,400.<ref>[https://theonlinecitizen.com/2026/03/24/a-historic-first-the-pofma-direction-against-the-online-citizen-and-what-it-means "A Historic First: The POFMA Direction Against The Online Citizen and What It Means"], The Online Citizen, 24 March 2026.</ref>
== References ==
<references />
[[Category:Media Organizations]]

Latest revision as of 02:09, 17 May 2026

The Online Citizen
The Online Citizen
(TOC)
Other namesThe Online Citizen Asia, TOC, 網路公民
StatusActive
TypeAlternative news website
PurposeIndependent socio-political journalism and commentary on Singapore and Asia affairs.
Leadership
Editor-in-ChiefTerry Xu
Co-FounderAndrew Loh
Co-FounderRemy Choo Zheng Xi
Organisation
Formed1 December 2006
(20 years ago)
HeadquartersTaiwan (formerly Singapore)
Region servedAsia
External links
WebsiteOfficial website


The Online Citizen (TOC) is a socio-political blogging platform known for its independent journalism and commentary, particularly on issues pertaining to Singapore. Established in December 2006 by Andrew Loh and Remy Choo Zheng Xi, TOC has positioned itself as a voice covering topics often overlooked by mainstream media.

History

Early Years (2006–2010)

Initially, TOC functioned as a volunteer-driven platform, focusing on citizen journalism and commentary on political, social, and economic issues. TOC gained a following for its coverage of housing policies, social inequality, and governance, as well as its advocacy for greater civil liberties.

In 2009, TOC played a significant role in covering the AWARE saga, a controversial leadership takeover of the Association of Women for Action and Research. TOC’s detailed accounts and on-the-ground reporting of the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) helped shape public understanding of the event.

By 2010, TOC had become one of the most prominent independent socio-political websites in Singapore. Its growing influence led to increased government scrutiny and regulatory challenges.

Transition to Political Association (2011–2015)

In 2011, the Singapore Registry of Political Donations designated TOC as a political association, citing its involvement in campaigns aimed at influencing legislation. This classification restricted foreign funding and capped anonymous contributions at SGD 5,000. On 24 January 2011, TOC submitted its required appointment holders: Siew Kum Hong, Joshua Chiang, Ravi Philemon, and Leong Sze Hian.[1]

In 2014, TOC came under the management of The Opinion Collaborative Ltd (TOC Ltd), a social enterprise. TOC retained editorial independence while ceding administrative and fundraising functions to TOC Ltd.[2]

Restructuring and Relocation (2015–Present)

Following the 2015 General Election, TOC left TOC Ltd and was registered as a private limited company under Terry Xu. By February 2018, it was de-gazetted as a political association as it was then operated solely by Xu.[3] In May 2020, TOC rebranded as The Online Citizen Asia.[4]

In September 2021, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) cancelled TOC's broadcasting class license due to non-compliance with funding declarations.[5] TOC subsequently relocated operations to Taiwan.

In July 2023, the Singapore government classified TOC’s digital platforms as Declared Online Locations (DOLs).[6] By September 2024, TOC resumed operations under its original name, dropping the "Asia" suffix to expand onto platforms not designated as DOLs.[7]

Founders and Editors

Editors-in-Chief
Name Start Date End Date
Andrew Loh December 2006 June 2011
Ravi Philemon June 2011 March 2012
Kumaran Pillai March 2012 2013
Terry Xu March 2013 Present

Legal and Political Issues

TOC has faced numerous legal challenges, including defamation suits and regulatory restrictions under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA).

  • POHA Legal Victory (2015–2017): Following an interview with Dr Ting Choon Meng regarding a patent dispute with the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the Attorney-General applied for an order under Section 15 of the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) to compel TOC to post a correction notice. In a landmark 2017 ruling,[8] the Court of Appeal dismissed the Attorney-General's appeal in a 2-1 majority decision, ruling that the Government is not a "person" under Section 15 of POHA and therefore cannot invoke the Act to seek correction orders.
  • Defamation (2019–2021): Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong sued Terry Xu over an article regarding the Lee family dispute. In 2021, the High Court ordered Xu to pay S$210,000 in damages.
  • Criminal Defamation (2018–2022): Terry Xu and contributor Daniel De Costa were convicted of criminal defamation over a letter alleging corruption. Their jail sentences were eventually upheld by the Court of Appeal.
  • POFMA Challenges (2020): TOC was one of the first outlets to challenge a POFMA correction direction in court regarding execution methods in Changi Prison; however, the appeal was dismissed by the High Court and Court of Appeal.
  • POFMA Section 11(3)(b) (2026): On 23 March 2026, Terry Xu and Miao Yi InfoTech (the Taiwanese holding company for TOC) were issued a direction under Section 11(3)(b) of POFMA by the Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs. This marked the first time an entity was required to publish a correction notice in the print edition of The Straits Times at its own expense, amounting to a cost of SGD 10,400.[9]

References

  1. ↑ "TOC’s reply to PMO", The Online Citizen, 24 January 2011.
  2. ↑ "The Online Citizen to be owned by The Opinion Collaborative Ltd", The Online Citizen, 4 June 2014.
  3. ↑ "The Online Citizen website and two other groups no longer considered political associations", The Straits Times, February 2018.
  4. ↑ "The Online Citizen renamed as The Online Citizen Asia", The Online Citizen, 5 May 2020.
  5. ↑ "Cancellation of The Online Citizen Pte Ltd Class Licence", IMDA, September 2021.
  6. ↑ "POFMA Declaration of Online Locations", POFMA Office, 21 July 2023.
  7. ↑ "Notice to our readers: Moving back to The Online Citizen", Gutzy Asia, 31 August 2024.
  8. ↑ https://www.elitigation.sg/gd/s/2017_SGCA_6
  9. ↑ "A Historic First: The POFMA Direction Against The Online Citizen and What It Means", The Online Citizen, 24 March 2026.
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