Huafan is the first university founded by the Buddhist community among the Chinese-speaking countries. The University has incorporated the ideals of both Chinese education and Buddhist culture into its curricula. It was established by the Ven. Hiu Wan, artist and educator, in 1990, as Huafan Institute of Technology, reorganized as Huafan College of Humanities and Technology in 1993, and then in 1997 was accredited its present status of a full-fledged university. Located in the rural area outside of Taipei, Huafan prides itself on its sublime educational ideals, its energetic teaching faculty, and its serene mountainous surroundings. Huafan University comprises four colleges including College of Humanities and Arts, College of Technology for Smart Living, College of Design and Creativity, College of Buddhism, offering bachelor, master and doctoral programs in 13 fields of studies.