This article presents the academic staff competencies in Private Institutions of Higher Education. It also considers individual development goals in achieving high standards to perform well. This article presents insights based on a survey of competencies for a total of 400 academic staff representing a total of 26 private universities in Malaysia. There are two types of competencies surveyed: the first is a Personal Competence dimension which includes three sub-dimensions (a) self-motivation, (b) social interaction and, (c) integrity. The second is a Teaching Competence, consisting of two sub-dimensions (a) Subjects and Pedagogical Skills, and (b) Teaching Presentation Skills. The results show that both dimensions of competence, regardless of the gender of the academic staff, are very effective and indicate superior performance and good performance of duties. However, there is still an important need for the improvement of quality services at Private Higher Learning Institutions.