Penang Wind Orchestra was founded in 2000 with three main objectives:

1. To offer an opportunity to woodwind and brass young musicians to continue their activities in playing in a band (also know as a wind ensemble) after they have left school.
2. To upgrade the people’s quality of living standard.
3. To cultivate the interest of symphonic band music appreciation of the local people.

  Under its founding music director Maestro Woon Wen Kin, the most experienced and well known music conductor in Malaysia as well as in ASEAN countries, the Penang Wind Orchestra has performed numerous public concerts and official state functions for the past years. The orchestra has gained reputation and recognition as the country’s top and high standard wind orchestra. Since its formation the orchestra has cultivated many talented and fine young musicians now employed by professional organisations and music bodies. The orchestra has a large variety of band repertoire ranging from classical symphonic works to pop and jazz music.

   Today the Penang Wind Orchestra has more than 50 members of age not over 25 years. The Music Director, Maestro Dato Woon, had also invited experienced wind orchestra conductor for music workshops and concerts for the past years. The orchestra has gained musical experience in their style of performance.

   The PWO is very actively promoting light symphonic music and music appreciation to young children and youngsters in rural region. Some of the best members were selected to join Penang Symphony Orchestra, Malaysia Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and Asian Youth Orchestra.

   In 2009, the Penang Wind Orchestra was selected by the Korean Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival to represent Malaysia to participate in this event. 2009 marks the 35th Anniversary of the Malaysia-China diplomatic relations. The Penang Wind Orchestra is representing Malaysia in a cultural exchange to perform in Shenzhen City to celebrate the event.