Félix on site during his internship at Ark Energy
In memory of API Bursary student Félix Laubi.
Félix was studying a combined BEng Electrical (Honours) and BCom program at University of Sydney and was awarded the API Bursary in his first year.
In 2021 Félix received a diagnosis of a rare form of cancer. Despite his illness, Félix kept studying until late last year and remained involved in the API’s activities. He was enthusiastic about the Energy Transition and enjoyed being an active contributor to it.
In his bursary application, when asked what special qualities he possessed he wrote the following, qualities that no doubt assisted in the challenges he faced.
“Determination: Once I set my mind to a goal, I become invested in it, from there I am determined to achieve the goal to the very best of my ability.
During my final two years of high-school I tutored a year seven boy on an Indigenous Bursary to improve his academics. Initially, he wasn't very motivated or focused during our tutoring sessions. However, I persisted with the process, even when it was very clear he had little interest. By the end of the two years working with him, I had fostered a stronger work ethic and interest in his academics.
Curious and enthusiastic: I am very inquisitive and enjoy learning more. I am always keen to listen to those around me to learn more. As my school transitioned to online learning due to COVID-19, in my role as house captain I created a "day in the life" video to share my experiences in isolation.
“Even in an unfortunate situation I was joyful.”
I encouraged others to do the same as a way to learn more about my peers and discover tips for learning online. “ - Félix Laubi
Félix's’ fellow bursary recipient and friend Adrian Freiburg shared the following:
“I was lucky enough to be a good friend of Félix’s. He was an amazing young man; kind, genuine and lit up every room he entered. He would have made an amazing Power Engineer, and the way he lived his life will continue to be an inspiration to everyone who knew him. He will be missed.”
The API remembers Félix as a passionate budding engineer that showed such interest and intrigue about tackling climate change and the challenges the energy transition presented.
A note from Dr. David Pointing, CEO of the API:
"On behalf of everyone at the Australian Power Institute, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Laubi family and Félix’s friends and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. Félix’s enthusiasm and dedication to his studies were truly inspiring, and he will be missed by all of us in the API community. I remember speaking with Félix a number of times, including when he advised me of his circumstances and the need to change his study plans, and I was inspired by his courage and positivity, and his enthusiasm for the power sector."
Félix's father, Andreas Laubi, Technical Director for Energy at Aurecon, when speaking with David, shared his great pride for and delight in Félix's passion for the energy sector and for life more broadly. Andreas noted that Félix was still skiing in Europe earlier this year and he and Andreas would talk about NEM, NER, FCAS and even strain towers, such was his keen interest in the power sector and his future career.
In parallel with his studies, Félix worked in Strategy and Operations with Ark Energy as an intern engineer developing BESS, and took the above selfie when he was visiting the 121MW Sun Metals SF in Townsville late last year (photo shared by Felix’s family).
Daniel Gilbert from Ark Energy reflected on Félix’s time with Ark, “Félix was a highly valued team member at Ark Energy, and he brought enthusiasm and positivity to both professional and social aspects of the workplace. It was rewarding to teach him about how the electricity and energy market works and the role that we can have through the transition to renewable energy. I am confident he would have become a leading engineer in the Australian energy industry.”
Félix’s memory will live on in the hearts of the API community and beyond, as we remember his contributions and the bright future he was building. In memory of Félix, donations can be made to Rare Cancers Australia via: https://www.rarecancers.org.au/memory/donate/53/flix-laubi
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