Scholar Profile

Francis Poon

Media

Biography

Francis Poon is a journalist, producer and content strategist who believes stories can help us make sense of a rapidly changing world — and one another.

Over the past 15 years, he has produced conversations and stories at the cultural zeitgeist for millions worldwide. His work explores how our world is evolving — spanning artificial intelligence, climate change, mental health, faith and culture — and spotlight changemakers shaping a better future. These stories are grounded in purpose: to make us more informed, empathetic and connected.

Francis’ credits span award-winning longform documentaries, shortform digital content, podcasts, live events and magazines — including all nine seasons of CNN’s longest-running original series This Is Life with Lisa Ling, FRONTLINE, Netflix's Emmy-winning My Next Guest with David Letterman. His latest project is an upcoming series on health, technology and longevity with renowned tech journalist Kara Swisher.

Often described as a “Swiss Army Knife,” Francis is a creative and operational producer with a deep command of multi-platform storytelling. He is a storyteller with a knack for elevating overlooked voices and gaining unprecedented access to individuals and institutions. As a leader, he translates editorial vision into cohesive strategy across formats, building and leading teams, and shepherding complex projects from conception through delivery, on schedule and on budget.

Off-screen, Francis moderates live conversations and has organized panels for the Milken Global Conference. He is also the founder of WONDERING, a digital magazine sharing global stories with an intimate lens.

Francis’ commitment to impactful storytelling is rooted in his upbringing. Born in Hong Kong and raised in the San Gabriel Valley east of Los Angeles, stories were his windows into unfamiliar worlds. In an era when we’re encouraged to focus on our differences, Francis believes stories need to do the opposite: break down stereotypes, foster empathy and build bridges.

When he’s not producing, Francis loves traveling and reading, between doomscrolling and bopping to his Spotify playlist.

High school:  Glen Wilson High School

Degrees

News and Highlights

12/17/2023 Francis Poon (MS '09)

On the Red Carpet. Congratulations to Francis Poon, MS ’09, for winning the 2023 Imagen Award for Best Documentary for his film, Frontline: After Uvalde: Guns, Grief and Texas Politics.  The Imagen Foundation was created to support and encourage the inclusion of Latino talent, executives, and voices in all aspects of the creative process in entertainment media, celebrating individuals and entities who elevate the image and status of Latino talent in front of and behind the camera. See the full list of awardees here.

10/29/2019 Francis Poon (MS '09)

In the spotlight: Francis Poon MS’ 09, celebrated a 6^th season premiere of his series This is Life with Lisa Ling, in September 2019. The CNN original documentary television series produced by Part2 Pictures explores different American communities & social issues in America today.  You can watch these Sunday nights at 10pm and if you’ve missed any of the 43 episodes, you can download them on Amazon or iTunes.  As a true Milken Scholar family member, Francis invited Diana Hong MS ’99 to provide support on translation needed for one of his most recent episodes.  Make sure to watch! 

Francis Poon (MS '09)

Very photogenic. Francis Poon, MS ’09, is currently a Photo Intern at Esquire Magazine’s New York City offices, in addition to all of his work for NYU’s Washington Square News.