Who We Are

Heidoh (嘿道) is an independent, AI-driven media platform dedicated to fearless journalism, civic engagement, and multilingual storytelling across Asia.

Heidoh builds on the foundation and spirit of The Online Citizen (TOC), Singapore’s longest-running independent news site known for its critical reporting and commitment to accountability.

In recent years, TOC has faced mounting restrictions, including designation as a Declared Online Location (DOL) by Singapore’s government in 2023 — limiting its funding and reach. In response, we launched Heidoh to expand our mission beyond borders and beyond linguistic limitations.

Our Mission

At Heidoh, we believe uncovering the "way" (道) to truth begins with fearless questioning ("嘿" — a call for attention).

We aim to:

  • Examine critical issues that impact civic life and democratic values across Asia.

  • Provide AI-curated, multilingual reporting to break language barriers and amplify diverse voices.

  • Challenge censorship, promote transparency, and encourage open, inclusive dialogue.

  • Offer in-depth investigative reporting on matters of public interest.

  • Connect regional developments to the everyday realities of people across Asia.

Our Evolution

  • 2006 — TOC is founded in Singapore, offering independent perspectives and challenging mainstream narratives.

  • 2023 — TOC is designated a Declared Online Location (DOL), restricting its operations and funding.

  • 2025 — Launch of Heidoh, an expanded, AI-powered multilingual platform to serve a broader regional audience and uphold our founding mission in new ways.

The Present and Future

Led by Terry Xu and a small, dedicated editorial team, Heidoh leverages AI and multilingual capabilities to make independent journalism more accessible, inclusive, and far-reaching than ever before.

While TOC continues to provide important coverage on Singapore, Heidoh broadens our focus to Asia-wide issues — including freedom of expression, regional governance, social justice, disinformation, and cross-border dynamics.

Heidoh transcends national and linguistic boundaries. We invite all 道友 (fellow truth-seekers) to join us in exploring new paths, questioning power, and uncovering stories that matter — without fear, without favour, and without borders.