Suguna Sinniah0000-0001-7336-2633Dr. Ramesh Kumar Moona Haji MohamedMs Wan Rozima Binti Mior Ahmed ShahimiMr. Ahmad Harith Ashrofie bin HanafiMs. Wan Nur Izni binti Wan Ahmad KamarMs.Zainab Ali Ahmad Rawshdeh2025-01-092025-01-092019-11-2210.35940/ijeat.F1038.0986S319https://dspace-cris.utar.edu.my/handle/123456789/11127Enhancements in human capital can be achieved by the establishment of various programs such as training and curriculum development at the university level. This would increase the knowledge and skills of lecturers with respect to their teaching styles and learning processes at universities in general. This study examines the effect of human resources management (HRM) and job satisfaction on university PhD holders who contribute to the innovative achievements of a university. The purpose of this study was to explore the contribution of HRM and job satisfaction on talent retention in private universities in Malaysia. The study sample comprised 110 PhD holders, and their responses were analyzed using the PLS-SEM software. The results indicate that, rather than promotions and recognition, PhD holders place more emphasis on their salaries, which are very low at private universities. The study limitations are discussed, and suggestions are made regarding future research.journal-article