TikTok has donated AU$3 million ($2 million) to Melbourne-based Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity to support its Covid-19 and other virus-related clinical trials, as the ByteDance-owned short video app increases its presence in Australia.

In a statement published Tuesday, TikTok said that it “will be actively seeking more ways to contribute towards Covid-19 relief in Australia”, as people use the app to create videos on hand washing, social distancing and the role of medical workers during the pandemic.

The $2 million donation is part of a $250 million campaign by TikTok to support front line medical workers, educators and local communities affected by the global health crisis.

On Tuesday, TikTok also announced the launch of a Sydney-based office and the appointment of Lee Hunter, a former Google and YouTube executive, as TikTok Australia’s general manager, who will focus on implementing safety policies and resources as well as driving growth, partnerships and a local product experience.

The company said it has hired general managers for its operations in the U.S., the U.K, India, Japan and Canada over the past 18 months.

Contact reporter Ding Yi (yiding@caixin.com)

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