The Hong Kong branch of the Royal Geographical Society (IBG) was established in 1995, making it the first overseas branch.

The branch shares the same aims as the Society. It provides a forum where members can regularly meet and listen to leading local and international speakers from the world of geography and related sciences, exploration, travel, research, the environment and conservation.

Previous speakers include the Polar explorers Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Robert Swan, mountaineers Sir Chris Bonington and Doug Scott, primate expert Dame Jane Goodall, the botanist Professor David Bellamy, leading environmentalist Sir Crispin Tickell, former space shuttle pilot Dr James van Hoften, moon walker Commander Dave Scott, explorer Wong How Man, round-the-world yachtsmen Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Sir Chay Blythe and Tracy Edwards and the authors Simon Winchester, William Dalrymple, Patrick French, Jan Morris and Mark Tully.

The branch holds some 25 lectures each year, which are normally held on a weekday evening. Lectures usually consist of a talk with slides, sometimes followed by a film. Lectures cost $100 for members to attend. Occasionally, the branch organises a dinner event involving a lecture, slides and a film. It organises frequent field trips in Hong Kong, an annual quiz night, social balls, events and prints a newsletter. Branch members may also use the facilities and attend lectures at the Society in London when visiting the United Kingdom.

The branch has a Committee made up of enthusiastic members of the branch which meets three or four times a year to review future speakers and decide policy matters. Elections to the Committee are held once a year at the Annual General Meeting.