The People's Association Youth Chinese Orchestra (PAYCO) was established in 1981 to nurture musical talents and provide a conducive environment for young people to play Chinese musical instruments. It currently performs under Music Director /Conductor, Ng Seng Hong.

Many of the PAYCO members are award winners of the biennial National Chinese Music Competitions organised by the National Arts Council in Singapore. In the 2006 National Chinese Music Competition, the PAYCO clinched a total of six awards, including solo category champions. The PAYCO’s Ensemble won Second Runner-up in the Ensemble (Open) (2006) and Champion in the Ensemble (Senior) (2000) in the National Chinese Music Competition. It has also produced youth musicians, namely Wang Yong Nan, Tan Ching Hwee and Zhu Min Chao, who were conferred “Best Performer Award” at past National Chinese Music Competitions. Some of its members have also become professional musicians of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra.

Besides its annual concerts, PAYCO is also a regular feature at national festivals such as the Singapore Arts Festival, Chinese Cultural Festival and Chingay Parade. It has also given performances abroad in Japan, Brunei, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

In addition to traditional Chinese music, the PAYCO is trained to appreciate and perform music of Singapore’s multi-ethnic heritage. Although there are many Chinese orchestras locally, the PAYCO stands out for its ability to produce all-rounded talents who are proficient in both Chinese instrumental skills as well as in the performance of multi-cultural music that all Singaporeans can identify with. This has made them a key player in the development of ethnic performing arts in Singapore.

The PAYCO’s patron is the Minister for Health, Mr Khaw Boon Wan.