The article derives data from a qualitative study conducted to address the essential skills competency in teaching among social work educators in Malaysian public universities. The study conducted in-depth case interviews with selected lecturers who teach social work education in public universities in Malaysia. The results showed that social work educators believe in communication skills, cognitive skills, analytical skills, hands-on practice and continuous training for quality social work education; nevertheless, they do not all possess such skills efficiently as per skills competency standards in Malaysia. The findings would be important guidelines for social work educators and policy makers in Malaysia.